EG's struggles may explain the emotionless beatdown

There are true leaders on every team. 
The guys other players respect and look to in battle.His reaction last year of "the miracle" I'll always remember...The guy is all heart.

When those guys go down through injury, or GPA, or other issues it can really take the wind out of a team's sails.
Football aside I hope the best for Griff & family

@"greediron" said: Hopefully Griff is safe and getting the help needed.  And hopefully his family is staying away from the negative coverage and crazy speculations.

But in relation to the team, this would explain the out of character performance by the team.  Cousins was off.  Thielen was dropping balls.  The D was seriously undisciplined.  But can you imagine trying to focus on a job knowing what happened to their brother at practice and then again later Saturday?  Reports are he was kicked out of practice because he was acting erratic.  So the entire team knows something bad is going on with him.  Doubt they hear much more about him until word likely got out about his behavior at the hotel. 

So stay focused, do your job, don't think about the brother that isn't here because something is really wrong.  They start ok and stop the offense.  Except they don't.  No big deal, keep on keeping on.  Then 2 turnovers and boom, down 17-0 in no time.  Can't imagine trying to stay the course when every bounce goes the wrong way after that happened the last few days.  Hell, I am amazed some didn't just walk off the field and pull a Vontae Davis.  I feel bad about being pissed off to the extent I was.  It wasn't bad, after the first half I just filed it away under "Viking football" and knew it wasn't that important.  Turns out, it wasn't.

At this point in my life, the Vikings are just an enjoyable distraction.  So I feel for the guys trying to gut it out.  Especially when the world seemed against them at every turn.

*edited as the practice issue was Saturday, not Thursday.

@"TBro" said:

@"greediron" said: Hopefully Griff is safe and getting the help needed.  And hopefully his family is staying away from the negative coverage and crazy speculations.

But in relation to the team, this would explain the out of character performance by the team.  Cousins was off.  Thielen was dropping balls.  The D was seriously undisciplined.  But can you imagine trying to focus on a job knowing what happened to their brother at practice and then again later Saturday?  Reports are he was kicked out of practice because he was acting erratic.  So the entire team knows something bad is going on with him.  Doubt they hear much more about him until word likely got out about his behavior at the hotel. 

So stay focused, do your job, don't think about the brother that isn't here because something is really wrong.  They start ok and stop the offense.  Except they don't.  No big deal, keep on keeping on.  Then 2 turnovers and boom, down 17-0 in no time.  Can't imagine trying to stay the course when every bounce goes the wrong way after that happened the last few days.  Hell, I am amazed some didn't just walk off the field and pull a Vontae Davis.  I feel bad about being pissed off to the extent I was.  It wasn't bad, after the first half I just filed it away under "Viking football" and knew it wasn't that important.  Turns out, it wasn't.

At this point in my life, the Vikings are just an enjoyable distraction.  So I feel for the guys trying to gut it out.  Especially when the world seemed against them at every turn.

*edited as the practice issue was Saturday, not Thursday.

A true Contender has to deal with adversity throughout the season. As much as this may have been a distraction before the game started, they quickly should have forgotten about EG's troubles when Buffalo marched down the field to go up 7-0. They never recovered after that wakeup call. It reminded me of the NFC Championship Game last year. We started out great and then as soon as we faced some adversity, we had no answers to stop it. This team seems to be very fragile emotionally at times when we are in big games or there are high expectations placed on them. 

@"greediron" said:

@"TBro" said:

@"greediron" said: Hopefully Griff is safe and getting the help needed.  And hopefully his family is staying away from the negative coverage and crazy speculations.

But in relation to the team, this would explain the out of character performance by the team.  Cousins was off.  Thielen was dropping balls.  The D was seriously undisciplined.  But can you imagine trying to focus on a job knowing what happened to their brother at practice and then again later Saturday?  Reports are he was kicked out of practice because he was acting erratic.  So the entire team knows something bad is going on with him.  Doubt they hear much more about him until word likely got out about his behavior at the hotel. 

So stay focused, do your job, don't think about the brother that isn't here because something is really wrong.  They start ok and stop the offense.  Except they don't.  No big deal, keep on keeping on.  Then 2 turnovers and boom, down 17-0 in no time.  Can't imagine trying to stay the course when every bounce goes the wrong way after that happened the last few days.  Hell, I am amazed some didn't just walk off the field and pull a Vontae Davis.  I feel bad about being pissed off to the extent I was.  It wasn't bad, after the first half I just filed it away under "Viking football" and knew it wasn't that important.  Turns out, it wasn't.

At this point in my life, the Vikings are just an enjoyable distraction.  So I feel for the guys trying to gut it out.  Especially when the world seemed against them at every turn.

*edited as the practice issue was Saturday, not Thursday.

A true Contender has to deal with adversity throughout the season. As much as this may have been a distraction before the game started, they quickly should have forgotten about EG's troubles when Buffalo marched down the field to go up 7-0. They never recovered after that wakeup call. It reminded me of the NFC Championship Game last year. We started out great and then as soon as we faced some adversity, we had no answers to stop it. This team seems to be very fragile emotionally at times when we are in big games or there are high expectations placed on them. 

Not sure what a "true contender" is.  But as I layed out above, they were obviously distracted but still got a 3 and out except for a questionable penalty.  Then 2 bounces and with everything going on, the snowball effect was out of control quickly.

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"greediron" said:

@"TBro" said:

@"greediron" said: Hopefully Griff is safe and getting the help needed.  And hopefully his family is staying away from the negative coverage and crazy speculations.

But in relation to the team, this would explain the out of character performance by the team.  Cousins was off.  Thielen was dropping balls.  The D was seriously undisciplined.  But can you imagine trying to focus on a job knowing what happened to their brother at practice and then again later Saturday?  Reports are he was kicked out of practice because he was acting erratic.  So the entire team knows something bad is going on with him.  Doubt they hear much more about him until word likely got out about his behavior at the hotel. 

So stay focused, do your job, don't think about the brother that isn't here because something is really wrong.  They start ok and stop the offense.  Except they don't.  No big deal, keep on keeping on.  Then 2 turnovers and boom, down 17-0 in no time.  Can't imagine trying to stay the course when every bounce goes the wrong way after that happened the last few days.  Hell, I am amazed some didn't just walk off the field and pull a Vontae Davis.  I feel bad about being pissed off to the extent I was.  It wasn't bad, after the first half I just filed it away under "Viking football" and knew it wasn't that important.  Turns out, it wasn't.

At this point in my life, the Vikings are just an enjoyable distraction.  So I feel for the guys trying to gut it out.  Especially when the world seemed against them at every turn.

*edited as the practice issue was Saturday, not Thursday.

A true Contender has to deal with adversity throughout the season. As much as this may have been a distraction before the game started, they quickly should have forgotten about EG's troubles when Buffalo marched down the field to go up 7-0. They never recovered after that wakeup call. It reminded me of the NFC Championship Game last year. We started out great and then as soon as we faced some adversity, we had no answers to stop it. This team seems to be very fragile emotionally at times when we are in big games or there are high expectations placed on them. 

Not sure what a "true contender" is.  But as I layed out above, they were obviously distracted but still got a 3 and out except for a questionable penalty.  Then 2 bounces and with everything going on, the snowball effect was out of control quickly.

regarding the "questionable" call/calls.... did anybody else early in the game get the feeling that the league might be sending a message to Zim to STFU about their new "safety" rules and what a ref may or may not have said to Dejo?

@"greediron" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"greediron" said:

@"TBro" said:

@"greediron" said: Hopefully Griff is safe and getting the help needed.  And hopefully his family is staying away from the negative coverage and crazy speculations.

But in relation to the team, this would explain the out of character performance by the team.  Cousins was off.  Thielen was dropping balls.  The D was seriously undisciplined.  But can you imagine trying to focus on a job knowing what happened to their brother at practice and then again later Saturday?  Reports are he was kicked out of practice because he was acting erratic.  So the entire team knows something bad is going on with him.  Doubt they hear much more about him until word likely got out about his behavior at the hotel. 

So stay focused, do your job, don't think about the brother that isn't here because something is really wrong.  They start ok and stop the offense.  Except they don't.  No big deal, keep on keeping on.  Then 2 turnovers and boom, down 17-0 in no time.  Can't imagine trying to stay the course when every bounce goes the wrong way after that happened the last few days.  Hell, I am amazed some didn't just walk off the field and pull a Vontae Davis.  I feel bad about being pissed off to the extent I was.  It wasn't bad, after the first half I just filed it away under "Viking football" and knew it wasn't that important.  Turns out, it wasn't.

At this point in my life, the Vikings are just an enjoyable distraction.  So I feel for the guys trying to gut it out.  Especially when the world seemed against them at every turn.

*edited as the practice issue was Saturday, not Thursday.

A true Contender has to deal with adversity throughout the season. As much as this may have been a distraction before the game started, they quickly should have forgotten about EG's troubles when Buffalo marched down the field to go up 7-0. They never recovered after that wakeup call. It reminded me of the NFC Championship Game last year. We started out great and then as soon as we faced some adversity, we had no answers to stop it. This team seems to be very fragile emotionally at times when we are in big games or there are high expectations placed on them. 

Not sure what a "true contender" is.  But as I layed out above, they were obviously distracted but still got a 3 and out except for a questionable penalty.  Then 2 bounces and with everything going on, the snowball effect was out of control quickly.

regarding the "questionable" call/calls.... did anybody else early in the game get the feeling that the league might be sending a message to Zim to STFU about their new "safety" rules and what a ref may or may not have said to Dejo?

Dunno, but I did see McCarthy whining about his guys getting called for holding in DC.  So Zim may have influence in a positive way? ;)

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"greediron" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

regarding the "questionable" call/calls.... did anybody else early in the game get the feeling that the league might be sending a message to Zim to STFU about their new "safety" rules and what a ref may or may not have said to Dejo?

Dunno, but I did see McCarthy whining about his guys getting called for holding in DC.  So Zim may have influence in a positive way? ;)

there was a couple questionable calls that made me say... really?  like the double man block on the return,  thats a new one,  i know there are new rules but you typically dont hear those penalties called... pretty obscure IMO and likely one of those that could be called on every return.

@"greediron" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

@"greediron" said:

@"JimmyinSD" said:

regarding the "questionable" call/calls.... did anybody else early in the game get the feeling that the league might be sending a message to Zim to STFU about their new "safety" rules and what a ref may or may not have said to Dejo?

Dunno, but I did see McCarthy whining about his guys getting called for holding in DC.  So Zim may have influence in a positive way? ;)

there was a couple questionable calls that made me say... really?  like the double man block on the return,  thats a new one,  i know there are new rules but you typically dont hear those penalties called... pretty obscure IMO and likely one of those that could be called on every return.

That to me seemed more on the lines of lack of focus by the return team.  They know it is a new rule, but were not focused on their job.  It certainly was one that added to that snowball early tho.  IMO if the league wanted to shut him up, they would fine him.

@"greediron" said: Hopefully Griff is safe and getting the help needed.  And hopefully his family is staying away from the negative coverage and crazy speculations.

But in relation to the team, this would explain the out of character performance by the team.  Cousins was off.  Thielen was dropping balls.  The D was seriously undisciplined.  But can you imagine trying to focus on a job knowing what happened to their brother at practice and then again later Saturday?  Reports are he was kicked out of practice because he was acting erratic.  So the entire team knows something bad is going on with him.  Doubt they hear much more about him until word likely got out about his behavior at the hotel. 

So stay focused, do your job, don't think about the brother that isn't here because something is really wrong.  They start ok and stop the offense.  Except they don't.  No big deal, keep on keeping on.  Then 2 turnovers and boom, down 17-0 in no time.  Can't imagine trying to stay the course when every bounce goes the wrong way after that happened the last few days.  Hell, I am amazed some didn't just walk off the field and pull a Vontae Davis.  I feel bad about being pissed off to the extent I was.  It wasn't bad, after the first half I just filed it away under "Viking football" and knew it wasn't that important.  Turns out, it wasn't.

At this point in my life, the Vikings are just an enjoyable distraction.  So I feel for the guys trying to gut it out.  Especially when the world seemed against them at every turn.

*edited as the practice issue was Saturday, not Thursday.

@"greediron" said:  I feel bad about being pissed off to the extent I was.  

@"VikingOracle" said:

@"greediron" said:  I feel bad about being pissed off to the extent I was.  

Totally agree and some of my prior observations are now moot.  I think seeing a beloved friend, teammate and leader mentally deteriorate in front of your eyes (especially with all the talk about brain injuries in football) must be very disheartening and a huge distraction.  Though obviously not as extreme, it has some of the hallmarks of Korey Stringer's death.

Dealing with a team mate who is a leader being hurt is one thing, but with the concussion/head injury awareness, seeing your leader in such a state would be offsetting.

Hopefully, Griff can get the help he needs.

I don't see how having a team captain being so disruptive at practice they have to tell him to stay away could be a good thing for preparation. Then having him have a total melt down the night before the game could have a positive effect on morale. No excuse I guess but not a normal week to be sure.

I've dealt with a good number of people with mental health issues and there is a lot we just don't know -- and many questions going through my mind as I read the stories. Instead of asking the questions in this forum, which just seems to speculate and make things worse, I can only feel sad for him, his family, the team, and all of us fans. At this point in time, he needs to take care of himself first and foremost. I ask that you all join me in praying for him and his family. 

I feel very sad for Everson and his family, so sad in fact that I find myself really not caring about the season. I don't even think I'm going to watch the Rams game. It's not a case of being pissed off that this highly touted team is falling short of what everyone feels they are capable of anymore. It's just a real sadness and a real thought that football is just a game.
If a fan can feel like this, imagine what the team feels like. There are guys on the team who are great friends to Griff and they have to be torn up about their friend.
My son has Asperger's and a mood disorder. It's heartbreaking. There isn't a lot of understanding or patience out there for people like him or Griff, unfortunately. When you're trying to be supportive and loving of a person with mental illness it can be a lonely and stressful battle--one that never ends and nobody wins.

@"prairieghost" said: I feel very sad for Everson and his family, so sad in fact that I find myself really not caring about the season. I don't even think I'm going to watch the Rams game. It's not a case of being pissed off that this highly touted team is falling short of what everyone feels they are capable of anymore. It's just a real sadness and a real thought that football is just a game. If a fan can feel like this, imagine what the team feels like. There are guys on the team who are great friends to Griff and they have to be torn up about their friend. My son has Asperger's and a mood disorder. It's heartbreaking. There isn't a lot of understanding or patience out there for people like him or Griff, unfortunately. When you're trying to be supportive and loving of a person with mental illness it can be a lonely and stressful battle--one that never ends and nobody wins.

Agree with Cowskull above as well.  hard to even consider speculating about what Griff is going through.  Or the family.  Marriage troubles?  I can see both sides and it is heartbreaking. 

Hopefully the team responds well tomorrow.  I think it will be good for them to go purge some of their own demons. 

@"KingBash" said:

@"VikingOracle" said:

@"greediron" said:  I feel bad about being pissed off to the extent I was.  

Totally agree and some of my prior observations are now moot.  I think seeing a beloved friend, teammate and leader mentally deteriorate in front of your eyes (especially with all the talk about brain injuries in football) must be very disheartening and a huge distraction.  Though obviously not as extreme, it has some of the hallmarks of Korey Stringer's death.

He sounds like he's losing his mind.

https://deadspin.com/police-report-vikings-everson-griffen-jumped-out-of-an-1829304717

Saying god is telling him to do things, ranting about the numbers "777"... sounds very troubling. 

@"prairieghost" said: I feel very sad for Everson and his family, so sad in fact that I find myself really not caring about the season. I don't even think I'm going to watch the Rams game. It's not a case of being pissed off that this highly touted team is falling short of what everyone feels they are capable of anymore. It's just a real sadness and a real thought that football is just a game. If a fan can feel like this, imagine what the team feels like. There are guys on the team who are great friends to Griff and they have to be torn up about their friend. My son has Asperger's and a mood disorder. It's heartbreaking. There isn't a lot of understanding or patience out there for people like him or Griff, unfortunately. When you're trying to be supportive and loving of a person with mental illness it can be a lonely and stressful battle--one that never ends and nobody wins.

This hits home because of the work I do and watching my son battle. I see it every day at home and at work. So many people are fighting this every single day. My nephew has Asperger's and I have watched him through his challenges. I have seen both ends of the spectrum. Some people are really supportive and sympathetic and others are ignorant and cruel. Whatever happens this year, it's a reminder to make every day count and treasure the time with those you love. 

@"Vikergirl" said:

@"prairieghost" said: I feel very sad for Everson and his family, so sad in fact that I find myself really not caring about the season. I don't even think I'm going to watch the Rams game. It's not a case of being pissed off that this highly touted team is falling short of what everyone feels they are capable of anymore. It's just a real sadness and a real thought that football is just a game. If a fan can feel like this, imagine what the team feels like. There are guys on the team who are great friends to Griff and they have to be torn up about their friend. My son has Asperger's and a mood disorder. It's heartbreaking. There isn't a lot of understanding or patience out there for people like him or Griff, unfortunately. When you're trying to be supportive and loving of a person with mental illness it can be a lonely and stressful battle--one that never ends and nobody wins.

I am right there with you. I feel a sense of grief. I love my team but I care about them as human beings as well. Watching Everson's struggle unfold before our eyes is heartbreaking. I am not even thinking about why is this happening to our team, I am thinking about Everson's wellbeing. I wish him, his wife and kids all the best. And for those who think his teammates are going to just set this aside, that's unreasonable and unrealistic. They are people with feelings. 

This hits home because of the work I do and watching my son battle. I see it every day at home and at work. So many people are fighting this every single day. My nephew has Asperger's and I have watched him through his challenges. I have seen both ends of the spectrum. Some people are really supportive and sympathetic and others are ignorant and cruel. Whatever happens this year, it's a reminder to make every day count and treasure the time with those you love. 

@"prairieghost" said:

@"Vikergirl" said:

@"prairieghost" said: I feel very sad for Everson and his family, so sad in fact that I find myself really not caring about the season. I don't even think I'm going to watch the Rams game. It's not a case of being pissed off that this highly touted team is falling short of what everyone feels they are capable of anymore. It's just a real sadness and a real thought that football is just a game. If a fan can feel like this, imagine what the team feels like. There are guys on the team who are great friends to Griff and they have to be torn up about their friend. My son has Asperger's and a mood disorder. It's heartbreaking. There isn't a lot of understanding or patience out there for people like him or Griff, unfortunately. When you're trying to be supportive and loving of a person with mental illness it can be a lonely and stressful battle--one that never ends and nobody wins.

I am right there with you. I feel a sense of grief. I love my team but I care about them as human beings as well. Watching Everson's struggle unfold before our eyes is heartbreaking. I am not even thinking about why is this happening to our team, I am thinking about Everson's wellbeing. I wish him, his wife and kids all the best. And for those who think his teammates are going to just set this aside, that's unreasonable and unrealistic. They are people with feelings. 

This hits home because of the work I do and watching my son battle. I see it every day at home and at work. So many people are fighting this every single day. My nephew has Asperger's and I have watched him through his challenges. I have seen both ends of the spectrum. Some people are really supportive and sympathetic and others are ignorant and cruel. Whatever happens this year, it's a reminder to make every day count and treasure the time with those you love. 

And that's exactly why I wish it would not have become public. I find it really to be nobody's business other than those who are family, friends, and caregivers for these individuals. The general public doesn't need to know. I really wish it could have been a discreet situation but for a public figure there's nothing discreet in life. Meanwhile, hopefully the Vikings are providing comfort and assistance for Tiffany and the kids. I really feel for her :(