Vic Fangio’s Protection 101: Half 3 – MFC Coverages

The “Fangio protection”. Named after its creator, Vic Fangio, who was just lately employed because the Eagles’ defensive coordinator, this protection is understood for being advanced. Specifically, Fangio’s protection is understood for utilizing complicated terminology that may make issues sound extra difficult than they’re. I wished to review Fangio’s protection once more and write a collection of posts the place I’ll try to simplify the Vic Fangio type protection, breaking it down into easy-to-understand elements.

Quite a few writers have already written extremely in-depth articles on Fangio’s protection. I’ve discovered probably the most from Sincere NFL, Shawn Syed, and Cody Alexander (Match Quarters). I’ll often use their work in these articles, and I can’t thank them sufficient for his or her work and for instructing me the intricacies of Fangio’s protection.

Nevertheless, whereas these accounts do a superb job explaining the intricacies of the Fangio protection, I believe a few of it may be too difficult or mandatory for the fan who needs to grasp the fundamentals when watching the sport on Sunday. Not everybody wants to investigate soccer, however understanding the schemes could make watching the sport extra satisfying. So, my purpose for this collection is to simplify the Vic Fangio-style protection and break it down into easy-to-understand elements. Please learn the articles so as so that they make sense.

Beforehand: Half 1: The Fundamentals / Half 2: MFO Coverages

Half 3: Center of the Subject Closed Coverages

On this article, I’ll study Fangio’s essential MOFC coverages. As a fast reminder, MOFC means there’s a security in the midst of the sector, so it’s ‘closed,’ as you’ll be able to see under.

That is additionally known as single-high. Fangio runs many MFC coverages regardless of many individuals considering he solely runs MFO (two-high) coverages. Though he traces up pre-snap with a MFO look, this doesn’t imply he at all times finally ends up enjoying MFO coverages. You will notice lots of post-snap rotation from an MFO look to an MFC look.

Zone (Match) Coverages

I gained’t clarify zone match once more, so please learn the earlier article if not sure! Do not forget that Fangio’s zone coverages are match coverages relatively than normal spot-drop coverages.

Cowl 3 / Cowl 9

I’m guessing all of you’ll have heard of Cowl 3, however chances are you’ll be not sure of Cowl 9. Fangio prefers to name Cowl 9′ weak rotation Cowl 3′, however they’re principally the identical protection. Cowl 9 is what is called ‘weak rotation Cowl 3’. It’s the place the weak aspect security (away from the passing power) will come down and turn out to be one of many beneath defenders. Fangio prefers this as he at all times has his Nickel defender to the passing power.

To be sincere, you’ll be able to name it Cowl 3. Who cares. However remember that Fangio guys seek advice from this as Cowl 9. So should you hear Cowl 9, simply keep in mind it’s weak rotated Cowl 3. Fangio runs lots of this protection, and it’s extra fashionable than many individuals assume.

4 verticals is the right name towards conventional Cowl 3 (as you get 4 receivers towards 3 deep defenders), however in Fangio’s Cowl 3/9, the nickel or the protection (relying on formation) will carry the receiver vertically if he runs a vertical route. So, in Fangio’s protection, you shouldn’t see the protection get outnumbered by 4 verticals. You possibly can see that within the diagram under from Sincere NFL.

In normal Cowl 3, the protection and nickel would play the flat/curl zones. However in Fangio’s Cowl 3/9, they’re known as seam/flat defenders, as they carry their receivers vertically if wanted. Do not forget that, ideologically, Fangio hates giving up massive performs. Even his MFC coverages not often quit deep pictures. Right here’s a beautiful instance of Cowl 9, with Fangio’s typical post-snap rotation.

Man Coverages

Fangio is understood for his zone match coverages, however he performs lots of man protection.

Cowl 1

Cowl 1 is a quite simple protection to identify. It’s man protection with a single-high security, and there’s normally a ‘free’ defender (not in man protection) who can have varied roles relying on the offense’s formation and personnel. The ‘free’ defender performs what we name the ‘gap’. The opening defender can fluctuate relying on the decision. Right here’s the basic Cowl 1 on Madden, with a linebacker as the outlet defender and, due to this fact, not in man protection.

Fangio has totally different phrases for Cowl 1 come right down to regardless of the gap defender is doing. As with all of Fangio’s coverages, It’s arduous to distinguish what he’s operating pre-snap, with the safeties normally staying in 2 Excessive and never rotating till after the ball has been snapped. You don’t actually need to know the phrases. However I’ll let you know anyway as a result of I spent an embarrassing period of time attempting to determine Fangio’s Cowl 1 terminology. Typically, it’s unattainable to inform precisely what Fangio is operating, however I may give you an thought of the three essential variations to look out for.

Robber / Lurk / Gap

Robber is when a security or linebacker turns into the outlet participant, relying on the operating again’s launch.

Lurk is when a security is in man protection with a receiver or tight finish, and the outlet defender is likely one of the linebackers, relying on the operating again’s launch. Lurk is a superb protection in case you have a security who is robust in protection (aka CGJ) and a linebacker who is healthier suited. The linebacker also can double up as a QB spy in Lurk, so I like this name towards cellular quarterbacks.

Gap is when a security at all times performs the outlet defender, and the linebackers are in man protection. Many different groups name this Robber or Cross, however Fangio calls it Cowl 1 Gap. Gap is a improbable protection to remove crossing routes, as the protection within the gap ought to have the ability to see it coming.

I stated I might offer you three variations. I lied. Right here’s a bonus one to complete off this text. What is actually cool about Fangio’s Cowl 1 is that typically the outlet defenders can take a crossing route and stay in man protection with the receiver as they’ve inside leverage already. This implies the cornerback, who was in man protection, is now free to turn out to be the free gap defender. That is typically often known as change. This requires lots of ability and communication, however it’s actually robust for a quarterback to learn.

Even quarterbacks as sensible as Dak Prescott could be fooled by this one…

How stunning is that protection? It doesn’t get any higher.

Cowl 1 Canine

Lastly, there’s one other model of Cowl 1 that Fangio runs with no gap defender. It is a five-man rush, with 5 defenders in man protection and a deep security. The diagrams are a bit odd right here as a result of movement, however you’ll be able to see no gap defender.

Fangio often runs this from a 5-man entrance. I might anticipate to see this rather a lot subsequent 12 months as not one of the Eagles’ EDGE defenders are nice at dropping into protection.

I hope half three of this breakdown of Fangio’s protection has given you a clearer image of his MFC coverages. As at all times, I might love to listen to your suggestions and ideas, and in case you have any questions, simply let me know!