Vic Fangio gave George Paton a microcosm of why change is needed
Jan 8, 2022, 6:36 PM
For some reason, George Paton wanted one more game to evaluate Vic Fangio. Before making a decision on the head coach’s fate, the general manager wanted to gather a little more data.
Yes, Fangio was 19-29 as the Broncos head coach before Saturday’s game against the Chiefs. Sure, he has missed the playoffs in each of his three seasons at the helm. But that didn’t matter; he had one more chance to convince his boss that he was the right man for the job.
Ultimately, everything went to form. Instead of leading Denver to a big upset against Kansas City, Fangio provided a microcosm of why he should be sent packing.
Much has been made about the Broncos defense. They’re in the top-five in the NFL in terms of points and yardage allowed. It leads many to tout Fangio as a “genius” on that side of the ball.
Those paying attention, however, know that Denver’s defense isn’t anything special. Heck, even Fangio admitted this week that his prized group has its faults.
On Saturday, those problems were on full display. Against the Chiefs, Fangio’s fraudulent defense was exposed.
In reality, it’s a group that doesn’t make any plays. They don’t force turnovers and they can’t get off the field. Instead, they play bend-but-don’t-break, allow long drives and limit points by limiting possessions.
All three problems reared their ugly head against the Chiefs.
On the day, the Broncos didn’t force any turnovers. That means they ended the season with 19 in 17 games. During the Fangio era, they’ve caused a combined 52 interceptions and fumbles in 49 games.
That’s just not acceptable. Not for a team that is supposed to win by relying on their defense.
In addition, the Broncos couldn’t get the Chiefs off the field. They allowed long drive after long drive, letting Kansas City burn a ton of clock.
On the day, the Chiefs had 33:04 in terms of time of possession. But that only tells part of the story.
Kansas City took their opening possession 91 yards on 17 plays, scoring a touchdown after having the ball for 7:49. On their third drive, the Chiefs went 59 yards on 13 plays, kicking a field goal after burning 5:31 off the clock. That’s two drives, 150 yards, 30 plays and more than 13 minutes time of possession.
It didn’t end there, however. Kansas City opened the second half with a nine-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that took 4:17. And to end the game, they went 66 yards on nine plays, running the final 4:37 off the clock.
Speaking of which, that’s the third time in four games that the Broncos defense couldn’t get the opposing offense off the field in the final five minutes of a one-score game. The Bengals got two key first downs before punting in the final minute, while the Raiders and Chiefs were both able to eventually go into victory formation.
That’s just not acceptable. Not for a team that is supposed to win by relying on their defense.
Of course, the Broncos didn’t have to be in that position. It was a decision by Fangio that put them in the spot where they were down by four with 4:37 to play in the game.
Facing a fourth-and-nine for the Chiefs 13-yard line, Fangio decided to kick the field goal in a 28-21 game. With nothing on the line, and Patrick Mahomes on the other sideline, the head coach didn’t roll the dice and go for the tie.
Not surprisingly, it backfired. The Broncos made the kick, cut the game to four and never saw the ball again. Everyone watching from the stands and at home could see that outcome coming. Fangio couldn’t, however.
Not surprisingly, the head coach was unfazed after the game. He once again demonstrated the arrogance that has been a hallmark of his tenure in Denver.
“My future is great,” Fangio said during his postgame radio interview when asked about his job status.
Of course, it is.
He’s going to make millions next year whether he’s the Broncos coach or not. The final year of his contract is guaranteed. And he’ll be in demand as a defensive coordinator if he’s let go. Fangio won’t be unemployed long.
But just because he’s right doesn’t mean he should say it. Instead, he needed to demonstrate a little humility. He should’ve shown that he recognizes that 19-30 isn’t good enough.
Fangio couldn’t do that, however. He couldn’t swallow his pride. He couldn’t check his ego at the door. Instead, he had to puff out his chest to the last minute.
That was very on brand. The head coach was consistent throughout.
He showcased that trait during his postgame press conference. There, he took another opportunity to duck responsibility and throw others under the bus.
“Those other three teams have top-shelf quarterbacks,” Fangio said when asked about his struggles against the AFC West, as he’s a combined 5-13 against the Chargers, Chiefs and Raiders.
Mahomes is a star. Herbert has great potential. And Carr is above average. That’s all true.
But do any of those teams have the most-expensive defense in football? Fangio has the past two seasons. He’s supposed to be the “genius” that can stymie those QBs.
He didn’t mention that fact, however. It didn’t dawn on him that his job as a defensive guru with a high-priced defense was to slow down those quarterbacks.
That would require taking responsibility. Fangio has never done that during his time with the Broncos.
It was all on display for George Paton on Saturday. Everything that has plagued Vic Fangio occurred against the Chiefs.
If the general manager was paying attention, he’ll know what to do. He will realize that it’s time to move on from his head coach.
