When the Miami Dolphins decided to part ways with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio following the 2023 season, it was clear that change was in the air. While the team described it as a mutual decision, it didn’t seem like Fangio was transforming Miami’s defense into an impenetrable fortress. The disconnect between Fangio and several high-profile players suggested that a new direction was indeed welcomed by many within the Dolphins organization.
Fangio, who reportedly sought a return to his roots in Pennsylvania, soon found a new home with the Philadelphia Eagles, stepping into their defensive coordinator role. The Dolphins swiftly moved on, hiring Anthony Weaver, a former defensive line coach from the Baltimore Ravens with past ties to Fangio in Houston. Interestingly, this coaching switch appears to have tilted heavily in favor of the Eagles.
The Eagles, now boasting an impressive 9-2 record, find themselves in the top five across critical defensive categories. It’s a testament to Fangio’s enduring prowess as a defensive strategist, proving that his skillset remains very much relevant in today’s NFL. Miami, meanwhile, might be feeling slightly nostalgic, realizing the grass isn’t always greener.
The Eagles are on an eight-game winning streak, dominating the NFC and securing victories against some of the AFC’s elite. While talents like Saquon Barkley provide offensive firepower, the defense has truly been the backbone of their recent success.
Philadelphia is leading the league in fewest yards allowed per game and ranks fourth in points allowed, despite incorporating two rookies into their secondary lineup. This defensive masterpiece underscores why Fangio is revered as one of the top defensive minds in football history.
On the other hand, the Dolphins’ defense, now guided by Weaver, ranks eighth in fewest points allowed and 14th in points allowed. While these stats are respectable, the comparison to Philadelphia’s suffocating defense highlights a distinct gap, inciting curiosity about what might have been had Fangio stayed in Miami for a little longer.
The Dolphins have indeed seen improvements under Weaver, marking it their best defensive performance in the McDaniel era. Yet, with Philadelphia’s defense flourishing, another chapter of “what if” opens. For Miami, Fangio’s demanding yet effective style seems to be clicking just fine with the Eagles, leaving onlookers to ponder how Miami’s defense would fare today had they held on to him for another season.
