Vikings LB Ivan Pace Jr. says he's ready to take on one of the biggest defensive responsibilities in the NFL
It didn't take long for Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. to become a big-time success story. The dude went from a rookie undrafted free agent to playing 68% of defensive snaps in the season opener and then started his first game the very next week.By the time the 2023 season ended, Pace Jr. logged […]
It didn't take long for Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. to become a big-time success story. The dude went from a rookie undrafted free agent to playing 68% of defensive snaps in the season opener and then started his first game the very next week.
By the time the 2023 season ended, Pace Jr. logged 706 defensive snaps that included 11 starts. He recorded 102 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, an interception, one forced fumble, nine QB hits, a fumble recovery, and two pass deflections.
"I'm just always working to get better. There's not much to it, for real," Pace Jr. told reporters after Wednesday's practice. "… I was ready to go [after my senior season] in like two months… I came back in the offseason and [was] just wanting to get better everything. Footwork, coverage, my eyes, [and] seeing everything."
Not only did Pace Jr.'s work ethic lead to a rookie year that saw him finish fourth on the team in total tackles, he also earned the trust of his teammates and coaching staff to the point where he wore the green dot for a few games. For those unfamiliar with what the green dot represents on defense: The player wearing it is responsible for getting everyone together and communicating play calls, orders, etc. It's essentially a blend of the quarterback and center position, in terms of pre-snap responsibilities.
Naturally, that opened up Pace Jr.'s eyes to a whole new world of analyzing and playing the game he loves.
"It's basically like being a coach out there on the field – the experience was great," said Pace Jr. "It was just great to know that everybody has trust in me… In college, I didn't have to do that much communication, but then I came here and it made me think more and made me, like, actually focus and break down what the offense is doing and what our defense is doing. It actually helped a lot."
Now, it's all about the next step and taking on a bigger role, potentially, on the Vikings defense. Will Pace Jr. get to wear the green dot in 2024, now that Jordan Hicks, last year's primary wearer is gone?
It remains to be unseen, considering the Vikings added veteran Blake Cashman over the offseason. He's played in 44 games, with 21 starts. 14 of those starts came last year, with the Houston Texans, where he racked up 106 total tackles, 2.0 sacks, an interception, nine tackles for loss, five QB hits, a fumble recovery and five pass break-ups.
At the same time, however, this is Pace Jr.'s second year in Brian Flores' system. And based off his work ethic, that certainly gives him a leg up on Cashman, in the beginning. Either way, Pace Jr. will be ready for whatever the Vikings decide to do.
"I know they brought in a couple of linebackers that have more experience and stuff, but if they trust me enough to have the green dot I'm ready for it."
