It wasn’t exactly a Joe Namath guarantee, but Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen didn’t mince any words when he outlined what he thinks will happen on Sunday when the Vikings host the Detroit Lions.
Griffen, who said he was embarrassed with how his team played Monday night in a 20-3 loss to San Francisco, was angry in the Vikings locker room Wednesday.
#Vikings DE Everson Griffen: "We're going to go out there and beat Detroit. So I’m very angry right now.''
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) September 16, 2015
Here is the rest of what he had to say.
.@EversonGriffen didn't hold back today on his thoughts on Monday night's loss. pic.twitter.com/R4syalx7Ce
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 16, 2015
One reason Griffen was so passionate might be because Pro Football Focus singled him out with the worst performance on the Vikings’ defense in the loss to the 49ers.
#Vikings top 3 defensive Pro Football Focus Grades: Robison 1.4, Johnson 1.3, Barr. 1.3. Bottom 3: Griffen -4.7, Hodges -3.7, Greenway -2.7
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) September 15, 2015
But Griffen wasn’t alone in predicting a better outcome for the Vikings on Sunday.
#Vikings tackle Matt Kalil: “I’m more than confident going into this next home game against Detroit and getting a win.’’
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) September 16, 2015
Sunday’s game is also an important one for Detroit, which blew an 18-point lead in a loss to San Diego. According to Michigan Live, Lions players are just as confident.
“It’s safe to say almost every player in the Vikings and Detroit Lions locker rooms believe they’ll emerge victorious on Sunday.”
Both teams need a win to avoid starting the year 0-2. And the winning team will get an early leg up in the NFC North.
