Who is Vic Fangio?

Birthdate – August 22, 1958

Birthplace – Dunmore, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Career – 41 years coaching

Resume –

• Dunmore High School (PA):
  • 1980–1981: Linebackers coach and defensive coordinator.

• Milford Academy (CT):
  • 1982: Defensive coordinator.

• Philadelphia / Baltimore Stars (USFL):
  • 1984–1985: Defensive assistant coach.

• New Orleans Saints:
  • 1986–1994: Linebackers coach.
  • Coached the legendary “Dome Patrol” defense.

• Carolina Panthers:
  • 1995–1998: Defensive coordinator.

• Indianapolis Colts:
  • 1999–2001: Defensive coordinator.

• Houston Texans:
  • 2002–2005: Defensive coordinator.

• Baltimore Ravens:
  • 2006–2008: Special assistant to head coach/Defensive assistant.

• Stanford University:
  • 2010: Defensive coordinator.

• San Francisco 49ers:
  • 2011–2014: Defensive coordinator.

• Chicago Bears:
  • 2015–2018: Defensive coordinator.

• Denver Broncos:
  • 2019–2021: Head coach.

• Miami Dolphins:
  • 2023–2024: Defensive coordinator.

• Philadelphia Eagles:
  • 2024–present: Defensive coordinator.

What will his defense look like?

• Base Formation: 3-4 Defense

• Fangio’s defense typically operates out of a 3-4 defensive front.

Pro’s and Con’s of the 3-4 Defense

Pro’s

• Versatility and Flexibility: The 3-4 defense allows for a high degree of versatility and flexibility.
• The four linebackers can easily drop into coverage or rush the quarterback, making it difficult
• for offenses to predict the defensive play.
• Better Pass Coverage: With an extra linebacker, the 3-4 defense typically offers better pass
• coverage compared to a 4-3 defense. Linebackers are generally more adept in coverage than
• linemen, providing an advantage against passing attacks.
• Complex Blitz Packages: The 3-4 defense enables more complex and disguised blitz packages.
• The defense can bring pressure from any number of linebackers from different directions, creating
• confusion for the offensive line and quarterback.
• Adaptability to Player Skills: This defensive scheme can be adapted to the skill set of the players.
• Teams with strong, versatile linebackers and fewer dominant defensive linemen may find the
• 3-4 alignment plays to their strengths.

Con’s

• Run Defense Vulnerability: With one fewer defensive lineman, the 3-4 defense can be more vulnerable to the run, especially if the defensive linemen are not able to occupy multiple blockers.
• Demands Specific Player Types: The 3-4 defense requires specific types of players to be effective. The defensive linemen need to be larger and stronger to handle multiple blockers, and the linebackers need to be versatile enough to effectively rush the passer, defend against the run, and provide pass coverage.
• Complexity and Learning Curve: The 3-4 scheme is generally more complex than a 4-3 defense, with more responsibilities for linebackers. This can result in a steeper learning curve for players and may require more time to master.
• Dependence on Linebacker Play: The effectiveness of the 3-4 defense heavily relies on the play of the linebackers. If the linebackers are not effective in their roles, the defense can quickly break down, whether in run defense, pass rush, or coverage.

Fangio leans heavily on quarters and Cover 6

Pro’s and Cons of Cover 6

Pro’s

Pros

1. Versatile Pass Defense: The Cover 6 aspect provides a strong defense against passing plays, combining Cover 4 on one side of the field with Cover 2 on the other. This allows the defense to effectively cover both deep and intermediate routes, offering flexibility against different passing attacks.
2. Balanced Field Coverage: By dividing the field into quarters on one side and halves on the other, the 3-4 Cover 6 offers balanced coverage, making it harder for quarterbacks to find open receivers. This balance can disrupt the timing and rhythm of the opposing passing game.
3. Effective against Play Action: The 3-4 alignment can disguise blitzes and coverages well, making the Cover 6 effective against play-action passes. Linebackers can quickly adjust from a run-stopping posture to pass coverage, minimizing big-play opportunities.
4. Adaptability to Offensive Formations: This defense can adapt to a wide range of offensive formations, including spread offenses. The flexibility of linebackers in coverage and pass rush allows for quick adjustments to the offense’s alignment.

Cons

1. Vulnerability to the Run: While the 3-4 Cover 6 can be strong against the pass, it may be more vulnerable to powerful running attacks, especially if the offensive line can reach the second level against the linebackers.
2. Requires Disciplined Secondary: The success of Cover 6 relies heavily on the discipline and communication of the secondary. Miscommunications or mistakes in coverage assignments can lead to big plays down the field.
3. Complexity and Execution: The 3-4 Cover 6 is a complex scheme that requires players to understand multiple roles and responsibilities. Mistakes in execution, especially under pressure, can lead to vulnerabilities in both the run and pass game.
4. Dependence on Linebacker Versatility: The effectiveness of this defense hinges on having linebackers who are adept at both pass coverage and run stopping. Teams without versatile linebackers may struggle to implement this defense effectively.

The Eagles are known for their strong defensive line, which is great for Fangio considering how much he’ll likely rely on them to stop the run. Unfortunately, they’re also known for a weak linebacker core who struggles in coverage. Fangio’s defensive tendencies place a ton of importance on linebackers. It’ll be interesting to see if the Eagles target a high profile linebacker in free agency to lead the secondary.