Oli Udoh and Everson Griffen Were Great Last Sunday

Sep 26, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) celebrates during the third quarter against Seattle Seahawks at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

For the first time this season, I can write this article with a smile on my face. Yes, the Vikings (and the other teams I cheer for) dictate my mood. It was awesome to see fans back in the stands and – on the TV – it was as loud as I remembered. Let’s hope that this win will only be the first of many – how about 17 more?

You already know who we’re talking about, but I feel the need to explain why. Back in April, when we drafted Wyatt Davis, I thought for sure he’d be a plug-and-play type of player. Even with his injury, it was a shock seeing Oli Udoh taking first-team reps at RG. A few months later, he looks as good you can be and apparently solved a long issue at the position. For Everson, I wasn’t sure if he could still play at a high level. I don’t think I need to say it, but he proved me wrong – big time. And for the Kirk Cousins fans, he will be featured here, I can guarantee you that. With all of this said, let’s dive into the tape.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”872004″ player=”26281″ title=”Michael%20Lombardi%20on%20New%20England%20Patriots'%20QB%20Mac%20Jones” duration=”180″ description=”Michael Lombardi joins Carolyn Manno to discuss rookie QB Mac Jones.” uploaddate=”2021-09-28″ thumbnailurl=”https://cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/snapshot/871949.png” contentUrl=”https://cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/streaming/871949/871949.m3u8″]

Oli Udoh

Along with Osborn, Udoh is among the most impressive players on this team. Being a former sixth-round pick, switching inside to guard, Udoh playing at a high level right out of the gate is surprising. He can be even better, for example, against stunts. Sometimes he ended up blocking no one – like in the sack that was nullified by a holding. During most plays though, he is a beast. Even when he loses he manages to win the rep, like on this one.

Udoh has been great opening up rush lanes, holding his own in pass protection. And even though I mentioned the stunts, he had a great rep against a blitz. The Seahawks sent Jamal Adams in a delayed blitz, Udoh saw that and passed the DT to Garrett Bradbury, allowing him to block Adams. If he can continue to improve and keep the flags away, I believe we found a great guard.

Everson Griffen

When he was signed, he and the coaches said that he would be in a rotational role. Last Sunday, he had as many snaps as DJ Wonnum (34), so it seems like his role may not be rotational for long. He had a bad first half to be honest, not managing to impact the pass or stop the run. In fact, the only time he touched the ball carrier was a missed arm tackle. He played almost all of his snaps inside during the first part of the game. After halftime, he aligned more as an EDGE, and proved he still has it. With a variety of bullrushes, inside swims, and, of course, his lethal spin move, he helped the defense to hold Wilson to 0 points in the 2nd half. It was with his spin move that he sacked Wilson, in a play that accidentally turned out to be a stunt between him and Dalvin Tomlinson.

Griffen will probably play more snaps than Wonnum next week, even if he doesn’t get the start. Let’s just say that is good to have the Sack Daddy back.

Feel free to tell me a player to watch during the game, either in the comment section or on Twitter: @h_gucciardi

Share: