As the Minnesota Vikings’ defense took to the field at the start of Sunday’s game, there was something strange that not many fans may have noticed. While the FOX ticker at the bottom of the screen listed Ivan Pace Jr as the starting linebacker, he was nowhere to be found. Blake Cashman had just returned from injured reserve, and Eric Wilson stood beside him.

While it initially appeared to be a personnel decision based on the players the Philadelphia Eagles used in the first drive, it soon became clear that it was a benching. Pace didn’t play a snap the entire game.

Two years ago, it looked like Minnesota had uncovered a long-time starter at the middle linebacker position in Pace, the undrafted rookie free agent from the University of Cincinnati. Now, in the final season of his rookie contract, it appears the Vikings think that they are better with Wilson next to Cashman instead of Pace.

Based on this season alone, you can understand how the Vikings might have come to that conclusion. Aggression and downhill football have been hallmarks of Pace’s play in his first two seasons with the Vikings. However, they also seem to have contributed to his poor play this season.

While almost every defense would like a linebacker to play with aggression, Pace has been uncontrolled. This season, Pace has a missed-tackle percentage of 23.8%, according to PFF, which is up from his 13.9% last season and his 9.4% two years ago. And his game hasn’t been plagued by missed tackles alone. His gap integrity in the run game has also been a concern.

That was especially evident against the Atlanta Falcons. Pace repeatedly shot the wrong gap and tried to make a big play. His gamble often wouldn’t pay off, resulting in the big runs from Bijan Robinson that allowed the Falcons to salt the game away.

With Cashman on IR with a hamstring injury, the deficiencies in the run defense became so much more pronounced. Cashman has the range and the ability to make up for Pace when he chooses to freelance in run defense. However, Eric Wilson and Josh Metellus were both out of their depth when Cashman was sidelined.

Pace has also struggled in pass coverage this season. While it has never been a strength of his, his struggles are much more pronounced this year. He’s allowing a passer rating of 136.7 when targeted. It’s a clear spot where Wilson has the leg up on Pace. Throughout his career, Wilson has made a name for himself as one of the better linebackers in coverage.

Pace immediately made an impact as a rookie by blitzing and putting pressure on the quarterbacks. While that’s still a strength of his — he’s recorded nine pressures on the season — Wilson has also been much improved in this role.

Against the Eagles, defensive coordinator Brian Flores seemed confident sending Wilson as the extra man on the blitz. He recorded 1.5 sacks.

It appears that the Vikings have decided that the stability Wilson provides outweighs the upside that Pace has displayed in the past. We still don’t know Minnesota’s long-term plans for Pace. He’ll likely see some time on the defense again, even if it is in a reduced role.

After the game, Cashman echoed confidence in the young linebacker’s ability, despite the benching.

“IP, he’s a great teammate, great football player,” said Cashman. “He’s done a lot of wonderful things here, and he will continue to do great things.

“I’ve played with some guys that ended up being All-Pro and were kind of in similar situations as him,” Cashman added. “So, I say keep going because you never know how things can shake out in a season, and you just always got to be ready and conduct each week like a professional.”

Given the numerous injuries this team has sustained this season, everyone needs to be prepared to play a meaningful role. Still, it looks like the defense is going to roll with Wilson as the second linebacker, with Metellus rotating in on three-linebacker packages.

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