Despite Vikings LB Ivan Pace Jr.’s inconsistent season, Brian Flores has seen significant growth in his game
It’s been an up-and-down proposition for the VIkings and Ivan Pace Jr.
The linebacker position has been a tough one for the Minnesota Vikings over the first five games.
Going into the year, having Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace Jr. returning felt like it was a strong position at the top. However, there was major concern if either player was going to miss time. Unfortunately, Cashman was placed on injured reserve after the season opener against the Chicago Bears. That left Pace without his running mate, and it’s arguably a big reason why the run defense has struggled so much.
Brian Flores highlights Ivan Pace Jr.’s growth
Not having Cashman has been a big factor in the defense failing to succeed across the board. However, there has been some impressive plays by many players. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores believes Pace has shown some improvement.
“Ivan’s been doing a lot of really good things,” said Flores. “I think he’s played physical and fast. I think his communication has been good, and he’s made improvements in those different areas over the course of his three years. There’s some plays he’s he wants back, like every other player, some calls I want back. So, learning from those, continuing to grow, and get better. And I think he’s doing a lot of good things.”
One thing that Flores mentioned was communication. Overall, the communication has looked really good, but there have been real warts in his game. One of which showed up against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5 where he blew a coverage.
The other elements of Pace’s game have been a big question mark his entire career. The one thing that Pace rules at is shooting gaps either rushing the passer or in the run game while moving North and South. He struggles in coverage, mainly because he doesn’t move laterally very well. The Los Angeles Rams took major advantage of that last year with Kyren Williams running a Texas route for a touchdown.
We’ve seen him get taken advantage of in other situations, and it’s a big reason why the Vikings may end up moving on from Pace. It’s been an up-and-down season thus far for him, and that could end up getting better with the return of Cashman this weekend. His future is going to be one to watch, but Flores’ positive views of Pace is a good sign.