Broncos coach Vic Fangio has worked with many talented linebackers during his career, including Khalil Mack with the Bears last season. This year, Fangio will have Von Miller and Bradley Chubb defending the edge in his 3-4 defense.
Miller’s resume is impressive and well-known — he’s a Super Bowl MVP and Denver’s all-time leader in sacks. Chubb was a Pro Bowl alternate in 2018 after recording 12 sacks as a rookie but he’s not quite a household name — yet.
Fangio could take Chubb’s game to the next level and — so far — the coach has been pleased with the young outside linebacker.
“I think Bradley is in a good spot,” Fangio said on July 18. “I do think he is really a guy that we can use and [have success] in this defense. He is a good edge setter. He is versatile. We can [even] play him inside. He is a very reliable player for a young guy — even when he is dropping, which is rare from those guys who come from college and were primarily defensive ends.
“He is farther along dropping than most of the guys I’ve seen that have to make that transition. [I’m] very pleased with him.”
Fangio preaches about the importance of fundamentals to his players and Chubb has completely bought in. He realized the importance of fundamentals before he even arrived in Denver last year.
“I feel like that’s one of the main things I feel like got me to this point where I am at is the fundamentals,” Chubb said on July 18. “Paying attention to those small little details each and every day because when you become great it doesn’t just happen overnight. It happens because you’re paying attention to one small thing each day.
“I feel like if I just continue to do that, good things will start to happen. I feel like when coach has an emphasis on it, that makes me want to have an emphasis on it as well. Just putting on those one percent each day and just trying to get better as I can.”
If Chubb continues improving in the little areas, he could have a big year. Fans will likely expect more than 12 sacks from him this season.
