In Wake of Injury Bug, Fangio is Living up to His Reputation as a 'Defensive Wizard'

Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio is renowned for bringing his mastery of defensive football to wherever he gains employment. So it really shouldn’t surprise anyone that his defensive unit is now ranked in the NFL’s top-5, having navigated some considerable ups and downs along the way.

Fangio’s ability to be flexible and inventive has been his core strength, pulling off tricks by plugging in cast-offs from other teams and tweaking his scheme to best fit the abilities of his veteran players.

What has turned into a long-term injury to prized free-agent cornerback Bryce Callahan left the Broncos thin at the position and facilitated a rapid reshuffle on the move for Fangio, as he explained on Monday.

“You’ve just got to work with these guys,” Fangio said. “With Davontae Harris, we didn’t get him till after the final cut-down in the first week and now he’s started four or five games for us. Duke Dawson, the same thing.”

The Broncos' have dealt with injuries to multiple fronts of the defense. Perhaps the worst has been the season-ender to Bradley Chubb. But Fangio has weathered the storm admirably.

Finding some answers on the opposite side of Chris Harris, Jr. at corner has allowed the head coach to make an inspired move in his secondary by utilizing Kareem Jackson as a roving and punishing safety.

Fangio clearly saw the potential of pairing Jackson with Justin Simmons and the duo have blossomed while making big plays and crucial stops. Once again, Simmons was a game-changer in Week 9 vs. the Cleveland Browns and is gaining national exposure for his performances.

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Simmons' defensive mentor was keen to point out his admiration for his defensive star, “I do like Justin," Fangio said. "I think he’s a really good player and I see a bright future for him in a Broncos uniform.”

With recent buzz hinting at GM John Elway opening up contract extension talks with Simmons, it’s abundantly clear how important his own coach feels he is to the future success of the defense and the team in the years to come.

Fangio also made a point of identifying another Bronco holdover he inherited and who is putting up good numbers — long-time defensive lineman Derek Wolfe. Wolfe was in danger of being traded but stayed around and continues to excel upfront and even leads the team in sacks, with five so far this season.

“He just seems to have more production in the pass rush this year up to this point than he’s had in recent years,” Fangio explained.

By mixing in the right blend of old and new faces, the Broncos have been able to be more forceful and aggressive with their opponents but with strong offensive units like the Minnesota Vikings next up after the bye, there will have to be yet more development and improvements as Fangio acknowledged.

“We just need to, I believe, cover a little bit better at times in one-on-one coverage situations," he said. “I’d like to see a little bit more pass rush. Those are some of the things.”

With the Broncos all pressing for more out of themselves, it bodes well for the rest of the season if Von Miller can get his sack totals moving upwards and the rookies, like Malik Reed and Justin Hollins, can continue to learn from their 'Defensive Wizard'.

Follow Keith on Twitter @KeithC_NFL and @MileHighHuddle.

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