Fangio addresses whether 'yelling' in Broncos' locker room after Jags loss represents a team fracture
The Denver Broncos' start to the 2019 season has been a series of disappointments, followed by soul-crushing heartbreakers. Sitting at 0-4, it's getting harder and harder for the players to maintain optimism and confidence in the face of this categorical failure.
Since Super Bowl 50, we've seen it play out multiple times in Denver — the finger-pointing when things have gone sideways. It's happened to varying degrees in each season since the Broncos won it all.
It could be happening again, as multiple beat writers reported 'yelling' emanating from the Broncos' locker room following their last-second loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 4. There was 'yelling' and it was of the argumentative, accusatory sort.
On Monday, head coach Vic Fangio addressed the concern that the locker room is beginning to fracture and how he views the 'yelling' that took place after Week 4's loss.
“I think what the yelling that have might been going on—I wasn’t there for much of it because I had to go do this stuff with you guys (the media)—but it’s just frustration," Fangio said. "In my opinion, it’s mostly frustration and indicative that these guys are frustrated with our record, frustrated with losing a heartbreaking game there where we had a chance to win. I don’t view it as a big negative at this point.”
Asked whether he will address the issue with the team, Fangio said, “I will, but I don’t view it as a big negative.”
At this stage, it's probably not a "big negative" but rather, a natural byproduct of being one of the worst teams in the NFL. Pros hate to lose, especially the veterans who have tasted the sweet victory of winning a World Championship.
I'm not pointing fingers at the Super Bowl 50 holdovers but it wouldn't surprise me to learn one or two might have been involved in the post-game 'yelling'. Pressure is mounting, emotions are running high and some of these players are going to crack and wilt under the strain of it.
It'll be one of Fangio's biggest obstacles in trying to course-correct and salvage even a respectable finish to this season for the Broncos. Even finishing at .500 this year would mean the Broncos would have to go 8-4 from here on out.
If I'm Vic Fangio, I'm circling the number '7'. If Fangio can get one more win that Vance Joseph did last year, his hire would represent a palpable step forward for the team.
That's where we're at, though. We're measuring 'palpable' improvements in the Broncos, instead of talking about a team that is a force to be reckoned with.
For his part, Fangio, at least publicly, isn't admitting he's focused on the future. He has to keep the focus small and narrowed on this week's opponent — the L.A. Chargers.
The first-time head coach still believes this team can turn the ship around. But Fangio's definition of a 'turnaround' might be different than yours or mine.
“Yeah but turning around my definition of that is getting a win this week and then we’ll worry about the following week," Fangio said. "That’s what turn around means to me. Now, I don’t know what it means to you or anybody else, but we’re going to do everything we can to win this game this week.”
That's all the Broncos can do at this stage. Take it one week at a time. Take it by the inch, it's a cinch. By the yard, it get's hard.
Hey, that kind of fits with 'death by inches'.
Follow Chad on Twitter @ChadNJensen and @MileHighHuddle.
