Time for Broncos defense to step up, or clean house
Apr 27, 2021, 6:54 AM | Updated: 7:25 am
When Vic Fangio was hired as Denver’s head coach, in what feels like a decade ago, Broncos Country was sold on his defensive prowess, told he was the guy to bring back the 2015 defense.
Ultimately, it’s been a disappointment so far. But Broncos general manager George Paton has loaded up on defense this offseason, and it is now time for Denver to step up, or clean house.
The Broncos signed cornerbacks Kyle Fuller and Ronald Darby. They re-signed Von Miller, Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson. With only a few pieces left to add to this defense, there are no longer excuses to be made on that side of the ball.
Fangio has led some great defenses in his long career — San Francisco and Chicago his most recent. Denver has the talent he needs on that side of the ball. Fuller was an All-Pro under Fangio in 2018, Simmons is the highest paid safety in the NFL and Miller and Bradley Chubb are back. Fangio needs to make this work.
If Fangio can’t make this Broncos defense into a top-five unit, it’s time to end his era as Denver’s head coach — and even question his ability as a coordinator.
Every year, the word is how the Denver defense is fine, but the offense is inept. Sure, there are merits to that, but who cares?
Fangio was hired because of his history coaching great defenses. We’ve seen what his defense can look like when it’s loaded with talent, so it’s time to bring that to Denver … or get out.