5 bold Minnesota Vikings predictions vs. the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 15
By Chris Schad
Ivan Pace Jr. will put up another monster game
Ivan Pace Jr. has been one of many players to flourish under Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores this season, but his success was something that many scouts didn’t see coming.
An undrafted free agent, Pace has become a key component of Minnesota's defense and could be heading for another big game in his collegiate homecoming.
Pace was dominant at the University of Cincinnati and capped it off with a huge senior season. In addition to logging 137 tackles and 21.5 tackles for loss, he was also the top-graded FBS linebacker by Pro Football Focus while ranking first in pass-rushing grade and third in run defense.
Pace has rewarded the Vikings' faith with 68 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and an interception this season and is coming off his best game as a pro, logging 13 tackles with a sack and a pick while winning NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
There’s a good chance that Pace could be in for plenty of opportunities for an encore as the Bengals have altered their offense in the absence of Joe Burrow.
According to The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr., the Bengals have turned to the screen game to simplify things for Jake Browning and could play into the hands of Pace, who ranks sixth in coverage grade this season.
If Pace can execute, it could help the Vikings flip the game and keep the defense rolling.