Minnesota Vikings week 3 MVP: Everson Griffen dominates Panthers

Everson Griffen’s three-sack performance against the reigning NFC Champion Carolina Panthers earned him this week’s MVP award.

In a dominant all-around defensive performance, the entire defense made substantial contributions, with six different players recording sacks and three more adding interceptions. Reigning MVP Cam Newton was completely neutralized, unable to generate any offense and making costly turnovers due to the incessant pressure the Minnesota Vikings forced.

It was difficult to decide on an MVP given the strong efforts by everyone on the team, but Everson Griffen’s performance stood out. On a day when the entire Vikings defense had a field day, team captain and Pro Bowl defensive end Everson Griffen led the charge with three sacks.

Griffen kept Cam Newton on his toes all day, constantly forcing him out of the pocket and causing him to throw up ill-advised passes. Led by Everson Griffen and the defensive line, the Vikings forced Cam Newton to go 21/35 for 262 yards and three touchdowns, good for a passer rating of only 47.6, the fourth-worst of Newton’s six-year career.

Sep 25, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) celebrates after a sack in the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Panthers 22-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Everson Griffen played well the entire day, but he kicked things up an extra notch with the game on the line. With the Vikings clinging to a 12-point lead with under three minutes left in the game, Griffen’s hit on Cam Newton as he threw forced the errant pass that Tom Johnson picked off to all-but seal the Vikings victory.

After that, Griffen ended any remaining doubt by sacking Cam for a 15-yard loss on third down with a minute left, leading to a turnover on downs and ending the game.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Griffen’s day is the fact that he did all of it while battling off an illness. Griffen left the game early in the second quarter with an undisclosed illness, and was reportedly vomiting on the sideline. After just a few minutes off, however, Griffen returned to the game and continued his career day.

In his post-game interview, Griffen made it clear that no sickness would keep him off the field and away from his teammates. (via Twin Cities Pioneer Press):

“I was sick, but I fight for my team. I love this game. I love the way we work … We’re 3-0 and we got to keep it going, man. Winning is a lot of fun.”

Griffen has been a core player for the Minnesota Vikings for a while now, recording double-digit sacks each of the past two years. Despite his impressive production, Griffen has largely gone nationally underrated.

That’s starting to slowly change. Last year Griffen made his first Pro Bowl as an alternate, and he is starting to get recognized as an elite pass-rusher. With more games like his three-sack outbreak against the Panthers, Griffen, who currently ranks second in the league with four sacks, should continue to get the recognition he deserves.