Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is among the most experienced in the NFL today. He’s been running defenses in the league for over 20 years, often with tons of success. So it shouldn’t be a surprise he’s got the Bears playing as well as they are the past two weeks. In fact many see them as the best young defense in the league thanks to a powerhouse front seven and emerging secondary.
Of course thus far they’ve failed a good portion of their tests against top quarterbacks. Matt Ryan burned them for a decisive 83-yard touchdown in the opener. Jameis Winston picked them apart a week later. Aaron Rodgers had another of his vintage statfests at their expense. Thus the nationwide praise of the Bears remains somewhat reserved.
No doubt all eyes will be on the Superdome when Fangio goes against Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints. As it turns out the two sides have a bit of a history with each other. One that may help project what happens when Chicago tries to get their fourth win of the year.
Vic Fangio defensive history against Drew Brees and the Saints
Below is a breakdown of how the Fangio defense has played against Brees since he’s been in New Orleans. Included are the follow key stats: passing yards allowed, interceptions attained and final score.
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vs. Saints (January 14th, 2012)
- 462 yards passing allowed
- 2 interceptions gained
- W 36-32
at Saints (November 25th, 2012)
- 267 yards passing allowed
- 2 interceptions gained
- W 31-21
at Saints (November 17th, 2013)
- 305 yards passing allowed
- 1 interception gained
- L 23-20
at Saints (November 9th, 2014)
- 292 yards passing allowed
- 2 interceptions gained
- W 27-24
A few things to take away from the information presented. Per usual it’s beyond difficult to hold down Brees in the yardage department. The lower Fangio managed was 267 though the average is 331.5. At the same time Brees hardly is able to do it without paying a price. In four games Fangio’s units have intercepted the future Hall of Famer seven times. Three of those games involved two apiece. All three games were victories.
Last but certainly not least? The Saints averaged a total of 25 points per game against the Fangio defense with the lowest being 21. This paints a clear picture. If the Bears want to win on Sunday they’re going to have to score 22 at least. So unless the defense is prepared to house it three times, this means Mitch Trubisky and the offense will have to do their part.
