One could conceivably call Vic Fangio the NFL’s defensive version of Bruce Arians. He’s a long-time coordinator with an extensive track record of success with several different franchises. He also has a reputation for being honest and blunt when speaking on just about any subject. The man isn’t interested in being diplomatic. If a player sucked in practice or a game, he’ll say so. He’s not a man to give out praise often, which is why it was strange to hear his recent Leonard Floyd review.
Most Chicago Bears fans know that expectations are high for the young outside linebacker in 2017. As a former first round pick, that’s expected. Not to mention the fact he had six sacks in five games during one stretch of his rookie year. It was proof that the Bears may have found their next franchise pass rusher. The trick was could he stay healthy for a full season and could he hone his body and mind for the pro level?
Leonard Floyd review is a glowing one from Fangio
Initial word is he arrived at training camp at least 15 lbs heavier than last season, and all of it good muscle weight. So he’s gotten stronger without losing speed. The other part was whether he’d picked up more of the playbook and honed his hand fighting techniques. Based on Fangio’s response about him, it’s safe to say that’s an affirmative.
“He’s got really good potential,” Fangio said Friday. “I think he’ll be a very good player for us and looked upon as a very good player in the league. If you’re looking for statistical numbers, I can’t put a finger on that. But he’ll be a damn good player.”
Understand that Fangio has coached some great players in his time. He helped turn Ricky Jackson into a Hall of Famer with the New Orleans Saints. Kevin Green played for him for a short period in Carolina. A young Terrell Suggs was at his disposal for a couple years in Baltimore. Lastly there was Aldon Smith in San Francisco. Suffice to say it would take a lot to get such a compliment from the seasoned coordinator.
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He went on to explain why his optimism for Floyd is so high.
“It just shows up that he’s able to build upon each day’s work,” Fangio said. “He’s had a good progression here up to date. I think he’s getting better and better at the little things, the things he thought were kind of hard last year, may come easy for him.”
Feels like it’s just a matter of time
Most fans aren’t ready to buy in on Floyd yet. They still have memories of the injury issues he had as a rookie. Particularly the two concussions he suffered. That’s fair. Fan support is earned, not given. At the same time hopes remain sky high. It’s been years since the Bears had a true bookend pass rusher. Floyd has that capability.
If his body doesn’t betray him it feels like almost a forgone conclusion at this point. Floyd is way too quick, athletic and fast to not have NFL success. If he added strength on top of it? Fangio may be right about what’s to come.
