The Broncos haven’t given Vic Fangio the main ingredient he needs

Vic Fangio defenses have historically featured the inside linebacker. Therefore, why have the Broncos not invested in that position?

The Fangio defenses of the past did not just have good inside linebacker play, but elite level production from the position. From Patrick Willis and NaVarro Bowman in his 49ers days, to Roquan Smith and Danny Trevathan in Chicago, the Fangio defense relies heavily on the inside linebackers. So why have the Broncos not invested in this position?

All we heard when Vic Fangio was hired was that he was a great defensive mind, and with good reason. He is a prolific defensive coordinator, but how can you think he will bring that defense to Denver without the proper ingredients that have been the foundation to his defenses of the past? You wouldn’t hire a five-star chef to cook you meals and provide gas station ingredients.

Todd Davis and Alexander Johnson are not bad NFL linebackers. Davis has been a consistent tackler here and Denver and Johnson looked promising in the second half of 2019. However, neither of them are as proven as past linebackers featured in Fangio’s defense.

Do the broncos think Fangio can elevate these players to the best of their abilities? Hope is not a strategy when it comes to football, and the Broncos “hope” that Fangio can get the best out of average linebackers. Unfortunately, average linebackers are not good enough for a Fangio defense.

The inside linebacker position has been underwhelming since before Fangio came here, but one would think hiring a defensive-minded head coach who is known for his historic linebacker production, you would invest heavily in the linebacker spot. The Broncos don’t seem to think so.

If the Broncos want to put Vic Fangio in the best position to bring his historic defense to Denver, they will need better production from their inside linebackers. Otherwise, it is delusional to think Fangio will repeat his historic defenses with the Broncos.