The hype train is still rolling from the Dallas Cowboys' signing of Defensive End Everson Griffen. Over the last two days, some high praise has come from Head Coach Mike McCarthy and former NFL scout Bucky Brooks about Dallas' newest roster addition.
Speaking yesterday to the media, McCarthy shared his impression of Griffen after competing against him for almost a decade in the NFC North. Griffen joined the Vikings in 2010 and McCarthy coached the Packers through the 2018 season.
“Just the fact of being able to compete against him twice a year, he was always the primary focus for us offensively, going up against him, he's a relentless player. He brings it every down.”
McCarthy's familiarity with the veteran no doubt played some role in his joining the Cowboys. While Mike was known for not having much say in personnel moves with Green Bay, it was made clear when he came to Dallas that he would have a collaborative relationship with the front office and be more involved.
Even if Griffen isn't quite that same guy at 32 years old and after 10 NFL seasons, he still put up eight sacks last year and earned a Pro Bowl selection. And according to Bucky Brooks, a former NFL player and scout who now works as a sportswriter, Dallas will be better off than they were last season.
Brooks said the following in his scouting report on Griffen for DallasCowboys.com:
“Griffen is a high-end EDGE defender with game-changing ability. He gives the Cowboys a traditional defensive end to play opposite DeMarcus Lawrence in a 4-3 scheme.”
“Overall, Griffen is a blue-chip player who is an upgrade over his predecessor (Robert Quinn) and a potential difference-maker for a championship-caliber defense.”
Again, that's high praise!
Robert Quinn put up 11.5 sacks for Dallas last year to lead the team and finish in the Top 10 for all NFL players. If Griffen can simply duplicate Quinn's performance it would be a very successful signing.
If Everson can actually provide an upgrade, the Cowboys will definitely be improving their chances at playoff and Super Bowl contention.
We'll see just how all this praise and hype turns out when Griffen finally gets on the field for Dallas. He is going to be a late arrival to training camp as he goes through COVID-19 protocols, but the 11th-year veteran shouldn't need much time. He's here to do what he's always done; go get the quarterback.
Hopefully, McCarthy and Brooks' praises will be backed up by Griffen's play in 2020.
