Blake Cashman Is Now More Important than Ever

Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.

The Minnesota Vikings defense has been stout this season, which is great news after multiple years of futility. The edge rush has been impressive, and the linebackers have been key components. Unfortunately, Ivan Pace Jr. is now on the sidelines for weeks, which means Blake Cashman is more important than ever.

Blake Cashman Is Now More Important than Ever

This offseason, when the Vikings signed Blake Cashman as a free agent, they brought him in and decided to make him the quarterback of the defense. He has worn the green dot and been a leader. It’s not just a feel-good story for the Minnesota native; the time he missed with turf toe provided a noticeable issue for the defense.

Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.

Through eight games for Minnesota, Cashman has tied his career-high sack total with three. He has made 55 tackles and has a real chance to surpass the 106 he logged last year with the Houston Texans. Cashman has also been on the field for 94% of Minnesota’s defensive plays, and his usage rate is substantially higher than at any other point of his career.

It’s not as though Cashman can really do more than he already is with Pace Jr.’s absence. What Minnesota needs, though, is for him to remain consistent with that level of production. Being able to count on elite linebacker play is going to be a must. 

Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images.

With Pace Jr. out of the lineup, the Vikings’ alternatives next to Cashman are limited. Former third-round pick Brian Asamoah seems likely to get the first opportunity. Otherwise, it’s Kamu Grugier-Hill or the recently signed Jamin Davis. Davis has the most starting experience of the trio, but he arrived in Minnesota earlier this week.

No matter who takes the reps, the reality is that Cashman will be without his typical high-quality running mate. Not only does Minnesota need to ensure the bout of turf toe is behind him, but they need him to be every bit the stud he has looked like when on the field. It’s a lot of pressure to put on one player, but Cashman should be expected to rise.

Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.

The Vikings play home games three of the next four weeks, and only one of those contests is against a team with a losing record. If Minnesota is to continue adding one to its win tally, it will take a total team effort.

Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes daily for Minnesota Sports Fan. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.