The Vikings’ defense never ceases to astound me.
All Brian Flores’ ultra-consistent squad accomplished on a day when their attack could only muster a single field goal was pitch the team’s second shutout in the last thirty years. The Vikings defense, led by great rookie linebacker Ivan Pace Jr., forced eight punts and secured three takeaways in a 3-0 victory over the Raiders on the road.
In NFL games, teams had a 0-255 record when scoring three points or less since 2008. That run was just broken by the Vikings. In December 2007, the Steelers defeated the Dolphins in a Monday night game played in severely muddy circumstances. That was the last occasion a team won with just a field goal.
In his postgame locker room speech, head coach Kevin O’Connell stated, “This f***ing defense is a championship defense.”
The ugly triumph on Sunday belonged to Pace. The Cincinnati native, who went undrafted, had a great start to the season, but since Jordan Hicks went on injured reserve over a month ago, he has had to assume more responsibility. Pace has replaced Hicks with ease, assuming his green dot responsibilities and every-down duty without skipping a beat. This was the best he’s ever performed.
Pace had already had seven tackles by the end of the first quarter. His 13 total, which included a sack on the last play of the first half, was a team high. And just one play after the Vikings had finally grabbed the lead, he slid into coverage and made the game-winning interception to finish off his breakout day. Pace made the play for his first career pick knowing what was about to happen, then celebrated by backflipping in the end zone.
Pace remarked, “Coach Flo put us in the right defense.” “They said (Davante) Adams gon’ get the ball, and I had to take it away from him.”
Pace stuffed the stat sheet to absurd levels throughout his collegiate career, but his name remained uncalled over the seven rounds of the April selection. His 5’10” stature was definitely the largest factor in that. His skill set fit what Flores, O’Connell, and the Vikings wanted their defense to become, so they were happy to sign him as an undrafted free agent.
It was evident to anyone who watched even throughout training camp that Pace was not your typical UDFA. He always flies to the football to make plays and has elite instincts. While the Vikings relied more on Hicks in Weeks 6–9, Pace’s snap total decreased slightly. Pace made an immediate impression with the squad in September. Next, Hicks collapsed.
