Everson Griffen moving to LB; back to DE?

vikingsrule · Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2012 8:45 am Post subject:

http://blog.vikings.com/2012/08/14/griffen-moving-back-to-defensive-end-frazier-says/

vike daddy · Joined: 12 Mar 2005 Posts: 66629

for a player who supposedly was a troublemaker type coming out of college, Griffen seems to have matured well and is very accepting of what the coaches ask him to do.

not a big ego guy after all.
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vikingsrule · Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2012 9:01 am Post subject:

vike daddy · Joined: 12 Mar 2005 Posts: 66629

Griffen wasn't going to beat out Erin Henderson for playing time at weakside linebacker, and there was an obvious need for a credible backup at defensive end. But the experiment wasn't a total waste, I don't think. Griffen has appeared effective as a stand-up defensive lineman in the Vikings "3-3" nickel package, and spending some time in a linebacker role could only help his comfort level in that alignment.

In the end, the real test will be whether defensive coordinator Alan Williams can find a way to get Griffen regular work at defensive end. Jared Allen played more snaps (1,004) than any defensive end in the NFL last season. Robison was close behind. There is no reason to wear down starters to that extent -- as long as there is a viable alternative. Now, there is.

Kevin Seifert, ESPN.com
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/44875/everson-griffen-back-where-he-belongs
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vikingsrule · Posted: Tue Aug 14, 2012 9:17 pm Post subject:

YES!! I love the 3-3 nickel package. Brilliant. Why have an extra DT in obvious pass downs when you could put that player in coverage or for a perfectly timed blitz. This is what I was kind of thinking, Griffen probably will never be a permanent DE or LB. Could be both. in the 3-3 defense, I would expect Allen/Robison at RE/LE, Kevin Williams at DT and Griffen at OLB as a blitzer.

the Packers run a 2-4 nickel package. I think having more guys on the line in obvious passing downs is becoming cumbersome for stopping passing attacks.

vike daddy · Joined: 12 Mar 2005 Posts: 66629

Everson Griffen has embraced the versatile role the Vikings have given him, and made three of the defense's biggest plays against Detroit. He can rush from the edge or from the tackle spot, and he's occasionally asked to drop into coverage as a hybrid linebacker/lineman.

Frazier: "He's understanding what we want from him. He's pretty clear now on exactly what the expectations are. And we do a lot of different things with him. He's a heck of a special teams player as well. So now we're at a point where we're getting the most out of him in each situation. And that's great for our football team."

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/172021661.html?refer=y
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vike daddy · Joined: 12 Mar 2005 Posts: 66629

Griffen: "I'd like to be among the league leaders in sacks. I've got to keep on working. You can't let that get to your head. If I do it next week, I've got to keep on doing it. That's how you make a statement. When my career is over, I just want to be remembered as someone who went hard on every play."

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_21690345/vikings-everson-griffen-id-like-be-among-league
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vikingsrule · Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2012 10:11 am Post subject:

SteelKing728 · Joined: 23 Aug 2008 Posts: 10874 Location: Pittsburgh

GoneWithTheWind · Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2012 5:18 pm Post subject:

Everson Griffen really seems to be finding his way in the NFL. I rememeber being excited when we drafted him thought he was a gem in the 4th and still do. Hope to see him starting over Robison who hasn't had nearly the impact he had last year.

rpmwr19 · Joined: 23 Dec 2006 Posts: 16971 Location: Stillwater, MN

Everson is good where he is right now as a situational pass rusher. Our current starting DE's are right around 30 y/o and Everson is poised to take one of the positions from them when they move on.

No need to change things around right now, what we are doing is working.
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The Gnat · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 34120 Location: Minneapolis

vikingsrule · Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2012 5:10 pm Post subject:

Zephiel · Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2012 5:12 pm Post subject:

Frazier gave him all the time he wants to come back, rightfully so.

Tragic news. Prayers with him and his family.

PurpleMugen · Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2012 6:19 pm Post subject:

My condolences to the Griffen family. Extremely sad news. The organization has done the right thing in giving him as much as time as he needs.
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