1-on-1 with Vikings' defensive end Everson Griffen

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - Coming off two Pro Bowl seasons, Everson Griffen had high expectations for himself in 2017. Accomplishing his football goals, however, is oftentimes as much a mental task as it is a physical one.

"Every season I try to come out with a chip on my shoulder, but my whole focus this year was getting my mental game right," he said before Sunday's game against the Lions. "All the greats, John Randle, Reggie White, you can name them, they were able to lock in for 60 minutes."

With five sacks in four regular-season games this season, it looks like all the preparation has paid off--though he's the first to admit there's a lot of football left to play. 

Griffen notched a sack and three tackles on Sunday, but the Vikings offense couldn't find a way to score and the team ultimately lost 14-7.

Despite the loss, Griffen and the Vikings are still eyeing a playoff spot and hope to ultimately make it to the Super Bowl right here in Minnesota at the end of the season.