Vic Fangio joined the NFL when inside linebackers were highly valued. Over time, as teams shifted their focus to stopping the pass and using more defensive backs, the importance of inside linebackers diminished. This trend has been evident in teams like the Eagles over the past two decades.
Now, as Fangio prepares for his first year as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator, he brings a hybrid 3-4 defense that has historically emphasized strong inside linebacker play. Recently, he visited Canton, Ohio, to witness the induction of his former player, Patrick Willis of the San Francisco 49ers, into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
