Vikings Territory: How The Return Of Everson Griffen Affects The 2021 Vikings

Press release from Vikings Territory:

2021-09-05

The hopscotch of Everson Griffen playing for the Minnesota Vikings in 2021 is finally over.

First, Griffen signaled his desire to play for the Vikings again — back in January. Then, he tweeted insulting statements about quarterback Kirk Cousins and the franchise on the whole. He implied head coach Mike Zimmer never wanted Kirk Cousins on the team from the onset. Yikes.

A little over a week ago, nostalgic Vikings fans got their wish when Griffen indeed re-signed with the Vikings. After that, he hit the field against the Kansas City Chiefs in the final preseason game of 2021 — and looked absolutely fantastic. He forced a few quarterback pressures in limited action. All was well. Griffen, before too long, would climb the depth chart, seizing the RDE job that he held uncontested for six seasons under Zimmer (or so went the theory).

It turned out the move was “procedural,” as Griffen was re-signed — again — one day later.

Foremost, if Griffen plays like he did against the Chiefs inside the regular season, it would be foolhardy not to allot him 60%-75% of all defensive snaps. Maybe — he’s just still that damn good. A heavy-on-the-Griffen platter in 2021 would signify his career decline it is not quite ready for fruition. Ergo, for the man himself, his output in 2021 will define his career next steps.

On the other hand, it is not a forgone conclusion that Wonnum’s summer accolades directly translate to regular season success. Then what?

It is a matter of fact that Griffen will stalk quarterbacks and create sacks — it’s what he does. The Vikings hope Wonnum replicates the Grffienesque trait. If Wonnum is mediocre, Griffen has a resume stating he is better.

For better or worse — depending on your perspective — Griffen will get his attention in Zimmer’s defense. Zimmer knows and trusts Griffen’s body of work. The rest of the field is either decent or too young to stave off a tyrannical Griffen pass-rush history.

Role re-definition for the Vikings 2021 pass rushers is underway due to Griffen’s arrival.

Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday along with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).

This press release was produced by Vikings Territory .The views expressed here are the author’s own.