From one-liners to forthright bluntness, Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has become a must-see and must-listen when he takes a podium. That rings true so far during this year's training camp.
The veteran coordinator, born and raised in a small, blue-collar town in northeast Pennsylvania, does not hold back from what he thinks of his defense as a whole and of players individually. That 'hard-nosed, tell you like it is' mantra resonates directly to the fan base, turning the 67-year-old into a fan-favorite.
In case you missed some of his best quips and insights, here are some of the most noteworthy:
When talking about All-Pro cornerback Quinyon Mitchell having another interception during practice, Fangio made a joke about the lack of interceptions he has in the regular season.
“He still needs his first interception of his career. He’ll quickly remind you he’s got four in the playoffs, but he’s still a virgin in the regular season,” Fangio said with a smirk to the media.
Fangio did praise his top cornerback on the summer he’s put together so far.
“He just keeps improving. He’s, like we’ve said, just a really good dude, as a football player and as a guy. He works hard. He’s not resting on any of the laurels that he’s gotten in his first two years.”
Mitchell also was part of a senseless social media craze when the team’s social media department posted a video of him picking off Jalen Hurts.
The video exploded on X with many members of national media and fans making a big deal that the team posted a clip of their quarterback throwing an interception.
News flash: It’s alright to throw a pick during practice. It’s just that…practice.
Some of the more intriguing storylines surrounding the defense includes a pair of rookies who have little to no experience at all playing the sport with the addition of Uar Bernard and Josh Weru.
The duo are fantastic stories in their own right just putting themselves in a position to play at the highest level. Many were wondering if the two international products will see any type of playing time this season.
Fangio resorted to his matter of fact style to nip any speculation in the bud.
“It’s going to take a long while. You guys can get off that topic, they’re light-years away.” Fangio said of the two inexperienced defensive players.
Earlier in the summer, Fangio was asked about defensive lineman Moro Ojomo who has been a bit under the radar with the big signings of both Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. However, the DC has his own thoughts on if Ojomo could follow suit with a big payday if he puts together a good season.
“I like him. Howie needs to save some money for him too,” he said laughing.
Riq Woolen has received copious amounts of praise from beat reporters, his new teammates and coaches, including Fangio. However, that doesn’t shield the newest cornerback from some Fangio criticism.
“At times he can get a little lazy or sloppy with his technique and have a bad down or two, but he’s still showing everything that I think he can do,” Fangio said of the freakishly athletic defensive back.
Funny zingers mixed with his straightforward comments and analysis continues to catapault the defensive maestro into the top echelon of Eagles' coaches who will be remembered long after they retire.
