The NFL’s history is littered with coaches who circled a date on the calendar. Think of it like a pitmaster returning to a barbecue competition—only this time, he’s got a new rub and a score to settle. Vic Fangio, the architect behind the Philadelphia Eagles' top-ranked defense, isn’t one for drama.
But when the Eagles host the Broncos in Week 5, the subtext is thicker than a Philly cheesesteak’s aroma. Fangio’s three-year stint as Denver’s head coach ended in 2021 with a 19-30 record. A divorce he’s never publicly mourned.
Now, as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator, he’s armed with a roster built to execute his meticulous schemes. For a man who once said, “It’s not your fault you don’t work hard. It’s not your fault, you just don’t know how,” this game isn’t just another Sunday—it’s a reckoning.
Why the Broncos’ blitz could backfire vs. Eagles
On October 5, Fangio’s Eagles face his former Broncos in a showdown dripping with irony. Denver’s defense, orchestrated by blitz-happy coordinator Vance Joseph, ranked seventh in blitz percentage (30%) last season. Philadelphia, meanwhile, lost twice in three games against top-five blitzing teams in 2024.
But Fangio’s intimate knowledge of Denver’s tendencies—and quarterback Bo Nix’s rookie growing pains—gives the Eagles a tactical edge. Meanwhile, Joseph’s aggressive style mirrors his mentor, Wade Phillips.
Last year, Denver racked up 63 sacks, relying on Patrick Surtain II’s lockdown coverage to buy time for pressure. But the Eagles’ offense, now tailored to combat chaos, thrives under duress. Jalen Hurts completed 66.1% of his passes (74 of 112) for 945 yards against the blitz in 2024, per PFF.
Vic Fangio’s inside intel
Few know Denver’s personnel better than Fangio. He drafted Surtain in 2021. His game plan? Neutralize the blitz with quick screens to Saquon Barkley and strategic max-protect schemes.
Philadelphia’s defense impressed with one of the best EPAs (-0.09) last year. And they added rookie Cooper DeJean. A Swiss Army knife who can blitz, cover, or spy Nix. But the Broncos (-0.10) led the NFL in EPA.
Meanwhile, DeJean paired with Jalen Carter’s interior dominance (4.5 sacks in 2024), and Fangio’s unit is built to dismantle Denver’s play-action game.
The Eagles’ 2025 schedule is brutal—10 playoff teams, five prime-time games. A loss here could derail their NFC East momentum. But a win? It’s a statement that Fangio’s system, and Philly’s resolve, can weather any storm.
Vic Fangio’s chess match against familiar foes
Revenge is a dish best served with a side of scheming. Fangio’s defense will likely deploy simulated pressures—showing blitz pre-snap before dropping into coverage—to confuse Nix. Denver’s rookie QB struggled against disguised looks at Oregon, tossing six INTs on play-action in 2024. Expect Fangio to prey on those habits.
With Quinyon Mitchell emerging as a shutdown corner, the Eagles can isolate Surtain on A.J. Brown while attacking Denver’s weaker perimeter.
Denver’s run defense ranked fifth in rushing yards allowed (102.7 yards) last year. Countering with Barkley’s elite vision and Jalen Hurts’ RPO mastery forces Denver to respect both gaps. If the Eagles control the clock, Joseph’s blitzes lose their bite.
Fangio’s blueprint isn’t about fireworks—it’s about precision. As philosopher Sun Tzu once wrote, “Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.” For the Eagles, this game is more than a Week 5 clash—it’s a proving ground.
Will Fangio’s revenge tour propel Philly toward another Super Bowl, or will Denver’s blitz-heavy bravado steal the spotlight? The answer lies in the trenches—and the mind of a coach with unfinished business.
