EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen has been selected as the NFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 17.
Griffen recorded 2.0 sacks on Sunday at critical junctures of Minnesota's 20-13 win at Green Bay that secured the NFC North for the Vikings (11-5).
He forced a fumble on the first sack, knocking the ball away from Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Mackensie Alexander scooped up the ball and returned it 55 yards for a touchdown that put the Vikings up 20-3 with 4:28 left in the third quarter.
Griffen also sacked Rodgers to force a 43-yard field goal with 5:35 remaining, and helped the defense prevent two attempts by the Packers to tie the game. He finished the season with 10.5 sacks and has 22.5 in the past two seasons.
Griffen was NFC Defensive Player of the Month for October 2014. It is his first selection as a conference Player of the Week, and he is the third Vikings defender to claim the honor this season, joining Linval Joseph (vs. Rams) and Trae Waynes (at Oakland).
