What defense does Vic Fangio run? (Hint: You might have seen it today)

Jan 9, 2011 at 8:35 PM


There is a lot of speculation out there that Vic Fangio will be the new defensive coordinator for the 49ers. It's a move that makes a lot of sense: Fangio has a quarter century of experience coaching defense. He coached in both the USFL and the NFL on the staffs of Jim Mora and Dom Capers. His foundations in pressure package 3-4 defenses might just be what the 49ers need to move from good to great.

What would a Fangio defense look like? For that we can turn to CheeseheadTV.com. The site posted an in-depth look at Capers' Cover 7 in advance of the Packers-Eagles game.

It's a really detailed, but excellent, article on the various packages Capers uses to flex his personnel. Interesting to note, the Cover 7 employs a lot of man-to-man coverage on the outside, something the 49ers did not employ often last season. The 49ers preferred to play zones underneath, which is one of the reasons Sam Bradford was so effective on underneath routes.

In any event, give the article a read and let me know your thoughts.
The opinions within this article are those of the writer and, while just as important, are not necessarily those of the site as a whole.


6 Comments

  • ShaneA
    Fangio's done way better then Jimmy Raye in the NFL check the resume for real Jimmy Raye's does look weak but Fangio has some pretty good defenses and has coached some of the best linebackers ever and his defenses create INT that go for scores
    Jan 15, 2011 at 9:42 PM
    0
    Response: Jimmy Raye struck gold with his offense in Kansas City. A blind squirrel does indeed sometimes find a nut. In all seriousness, I feel much better about Fangio than Raye if only because of the relationship Fangio has with Harbaugh. They've spent some time together and Fangio can execute the defensive plan with relative autonomy. That way Harbaugh can focus on the offense.
  • WCMike
    Researching Fangio does NOT get me pumped up at all. He sounds like the JIMMY RAYE of the Defensive side. Fangio's rankings I believe are worst than Raye's = he's a CAREER MEDIOCRE Coordinator in the NFL. The way I see it Raye could also possibly be a standout OC in college because he has NFL experience but just isn't good enough & can't hang with the big boys. I'd rather keep Manusky (which probably won't happen) & see how he does with a smart, aggressive, & disciplined real legit HC. I'd love to see say a Wade Phillips be brought in who's a proven top notch NFL DC. Fangio to me sounds like a weak hire & mediocre NFL DC in spite of his NFL experience. Just reminds me too much of Raye who I couldn't stand. Unless someone can sell me, please NO on Fangio. I want WINNERS!
    Jan 13, 2011 at 10:05 AM
    0
  • FrankyVito
    Good find. Great read. It shows how important the maturation of Taylor Mays is. That's exactly the cover 1 look he played at USC. If we can get Nnamdi in that system & somehow get Nate to restructure & play that Woodson 'rover' role we'll be really scary. & hopefully Quinn in the first. getting pumped!
    Jan 10, 2011 at 5:46 AM
    0
    Response: I agree we would need an upgrade at CB to run the cover 7 system effectively.
  • deke
    we cant run that with our corners. they would get lit up. the packers have the luxury of extremely talented DBs. Niners, not so much...
    Jan 9, 2011 at 11:07 PM
    0
    Response: Totally agree. With Nnamdi we could have a little more flexibility, but he's gonna have a ton of potential suitors.
  • Gabe
    Fangio may become the DC but it was well known that Harbaugh and Fangio never got along and had a really strained relationship. I would think that would mean Fangio wouldn't be a carryover
    Jan 9, 2011 at 10:33 PM
    0
    Response: I didn't know that about their relationship. Do you have an article or a link or something? I'd love to read it.
  • Ken
    Does Fangio run a 1 gap 3-4 or 2 gap 3-4?
    Jan 9, 2011 at 10:16 PM
    0
    Response: I don't know the answer to that. but if I had to guess it would be dependent on a nose tackle. If Fangio feels he has a capable NT he will probably play a 2-gap. If not, he would play a 1-gap.

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