Cam Dantzler Knew ISM Might Give Up the Football

Cam Dantzler ripped a football away from Ihmir Smith-Marsette on Sunday, a late-game defensive play that saved and sealed a Minnesota Vikings victory over the Chicago Bears. The win moved Minnesota to 4-1 on the season and 3-0 vs NFC North opponents. Paired with a Packers loss in London earlier this morning, it also propped the Vikings alone atop of the division standings.

After the game, Dantzler was asked about his thought process, as he closed in on Smith-Marsette during that play. Cam was blunt about the insider knowledge he had on his former teammate. If anybody was going to give up the football in that situation, he knew it would be ISM. So, Dantzler went for the football and the rest is history.

Cameron Dantzler on his game-winning strip of Ihmir Smith-Marsette: “We kind of had intel that he’d be loose with the ball.” #Vikings

— Sam Ekstrom (@SamEkstrom) October 9, 2022

The Minnesota Vikings waived Ihmir Smith-Marsette (2021 5th-round pick) after trading for Jalen Reagor at the end of August. Now we know one of the reasons why.

Cam Dantzler made a huge play and he should feel good about it. But, he and the Vikings defense needs to play better going forward. They haven’t created enough pressure and play too soft of coverage. Ed Donatell’s switch to a 3-4 defense hasn’t produced results. Hopefully, that changes soon.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan