During Vic Fangio’s first press conference with the Eagles, he didn’t generate as much excitement as the younger coordinator, Jonathan Gannon, did with his energetic delivery. Fangio, who is 65 years old, has 25 years of experience compared to Gannon and last year’s coordinator, Sean Desai.
Fangio has extensive experience as a defensive coordinator and head coach, and his journey has taken him from Scranton to Philly, Denver, Miami, and back. He proudly mentioned that his coaching career began 40 years ago at Veterans Stadium. This was before many of the current reporters were born.
Fangio still visits the nearby Philadium for lunch, a place known for its food and drinks. He admitted that he is still getting to know his players and even pulled out a roster to identify some lesser-known linebackers during the press conference, which earned some chuckles.
Fangio mentioned that he hopes this job will be his last, which is reassuring for Eagles fans and head coach Nick Sirianni, who had two inexperienced coordinators last season. As Miami’s defensive coordinator, Fangio is familiar with being a mentor for a young head coach.
Fangio understands which questions are his responsibility to answer, drawing from his experience as the head coach of the Broncos. He also has a history with the Eagles and is knowledgeable about building a defense, often breaking down different defenses to help himself improve.
When asked about what makes his defenses successful, Fangio emphasized the importance of having good players and a versatile system that can adapt to different offenses each week. He also expressed the need to understand the strengths of his own players.
To understand how Fangio works, look at the plan he had for the Wild Card playoff game last season against the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs. Arrowhead Stadium was extremely cold, with a temperature of minus-4 degrees and a windchill of minus-20.
Perhaps people didn't recognize the brilliance of that plan because the game was shown on Peacock, not national television. However, the Dolphins defense, despite injuries to six starters, was outstanding. The Dolphins were so short-handed that they brought in outside linebackers Malik Reed, Justin Houston, and Bruce Irvin from free agency to play important roles.
Lacking manpower and needing to identify the strengths of the new players, Fangio fielded a defense that aggressively pressured Patrick Mahomes enough to keep the Dolphins competitive until a touchdown drive late in the second half. The Chiefs scored a touchdown on their first possession but were held to four field goals until the final touchdown.
It was a close game for all but the last 18 seconds of the first half, with the Chiefs leading 13-7 before a Harrison Butker field goal gave them a 9-point lead at halftime. It ended with a 26-7 win for the Chiefs.
Fangio not only created an excellent game plan but also led a team relying on three inexperienced players to perform in difficult conditions, on the road, in a high-stakes game. The Chiefs converted 6 of 15 third downs. However, no defense could hold out for so long while Tua Tagovailoa struggled to gain first downs (the Dolphins only converted 1 of 12 third downs).
This is the kind of performance that Fangio is capable of, and it should not be underestimated. Having him back this year where it all began is a big win for the Eagles. And locally, Fangio will soon discover that Termini Brothers Bakery and Chickie's and Pete's are close to the NovaCare Complex.
To reach Bob Grotz, send an email to [email protected].
At Vic Fangio's introductory press conference with the Eagles last week, in front of an enthusiastic yet young audience, the impact was not as significant as Jonathan Gannon used to have.
It was a one-possession game for all but the final 18 seconds of the first half, the Chiefs leading 13-7 before a Harrison Butker field goal gave them a 9-point cushion at the half. It ended up a 26-7 Chiefs win.
Fangio not only put together a stellar game plan but got a team counting on three guys who needed their GPS to find the practice facility to execute in harsh conditions, on the road, in a backs-against-the-wall game. The Chiefs were 6 of 15 on third down. No defense was going to last that long with Tua Tagovailoa so challenged to get first downs (the Dolphins were 1-for-12 on third down).
That’s what Fangio is capable of, and it shouldn’t be understated. Having him back this year where it all started is a coup for the Eagles. And locally, as well, for it won’t be long before Fangio discovers that Termini Brothers Bakery and Chickie’s and Pete’s are within walking distance of the NovaCare Complex.
To contact Bob Grotz, email [email protected].
