The Eagles finally got their man and the scheme’s architect, as Vic Fangio has officially been named the team’s defensive coordinator.
Fangio wanted to be closer to his family in Pennslyvania, and Philadelphia happened to have a vacancy after firing Sean Desai.
Welcome to Philly, Coach Fangio!#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/MtIK5ECjDa
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 27, 2024
With the deal now complete, here are five things that the defensive legend will bring to Philadelphia.
confusion for the opposition
It always seemed like opposing offenses knew where the Eagles were coming from on defense and that’ll undoubtedly change with the architect of that defense heading to Philadelphia.
What Vic Fangio means for the Eagles defense next season🗣️ #eagles pic.twitter.com/uD3vizgi3x
— Green Light with Chris Long (@greenlight) January 27, 2024
Versatility for his team
Cornerback Chris Harris, Jr, who played for Fangio in Denver in 2019, said this about his defensive philosophy: “It’s versatile. He has a wide variety of defenses. … You have to be smart to know how to play your spot, your zone, and your position. I think that’s why I’ve always liked it. It has so much. He has a lot of different looks he can bring.”
Philadelphia has several players who can play multiple positions.
An established scheme
Fangio employs two high structures, a base 3-4 defensive front, light boxes, and modern defense.
Fangio has worked with Steve Sidwell, Dom Capers, Jim Mora, Rex Ryan, and several other high-profile coaches currently employed by NFL teams.
The “Fangio Defense” will always employ a two-high shells look before the snap. The two-high structure allows for flexibility in the secondary. The Fangio Defense uses the appearance of simplicity while encompassing a plethora of coverages, pressures, and assignments.
Very little blitzing
The Fangio Defense is also not a vast blitzing scheme. He typically employs four rushers and seven players on passing downs in coverage at multiple levels. Elite edge-rushing talent is one of the hallmarks of a Fangio Defense. Blitzes are used at reasonable times, “safe” pressures are used frequently, and fire zones can play out like man coverage.
Good linebacker play
Fangio has previously coached linebackers like Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman, Roquan Smith, and many others. In his scheme, Fangio prefers that his linebackers run freely, using his defensive line to suck up double teams.
In the Fangio system of pass coverage, having a linebacker who is athletic enough to play man coverage with faster-running backs is an essential part of coverage flexibility.
A need for dynamic safety play
The safeties are the most critical piece on Vic Fangio’s chessboard, and Philadelphia could be forced to shake things up. Players like Eddie Jackson and Justin Simmons thrived in Fangio’s system, and defensive backs are asked to fill running lanes from a position of depth while being athletic enough to eliminate crossing routes.
Random Notes
SHAWN SYED took a remarkable look at Fangio, his scheme and principles on defense, and it’ll provide Eagles fans with some insight into the system.
