Formidable in the lineup or on the sideline, Everson Griffen invigorates the Vikings' pass rush

Everson Griffen celebrates one of four sacks this season.The Vikings began the season with a plan to limit Everson Griffen's workload, preserving him for passing situations while keeping the 33-year-old fresh on early downs. But the plan has run into two problems.

First, there is what the Vikings have seen on the field: Griffen banking around the corner of the offensive line, beating tackles with his spin move and holding his own against the run. There is also the less quantifiable — but not less formidable — force they must navigate on the sideline when they try to sit him.

"He doesn't want to come out," coach Mike Zimmer said, "and when the game's on the line, we don't want him out.…