Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is one of the NFL’s most respected defensive minds. Fangio is in his first season with the Dolphins, his sixth defensive coordinator job in the NFL. Fangio was also the head coach of the Denver Broncos for two seasons.
Fangio is doing outstanding work with the Dolphins, as Miami is ranked No. 7 in total defense. However, the Dolphins are No. 22 in scoring defense, something that likely irks the respected Fangio.
This week, Fangio’s Dolphins face the struggling Washington Commanders. At 4-8. the Commanders have lost three games in a row and five of six. Washington’s defense is arguably the worst in the NFL, but the offense has shown signs of progress, particularly with second-year quarterback Sam Howell.
Howell has shown far more good than bad, and Fangio has been impressed by what he’s watched.
“Yeah, he’s been impressive on tape,” Fangio said this week during his weekly press conference. “Good passer. Can make all the throws. His scrambling and running ability is really worrisome for us. He’s a good runner when he’s scrambling. He’s hurt people that way, and we have to be mindful of that playing against him. I think he’s done a really nice job.”
Howell has faced some respected defensive minds this season, and two of his best performances came against Fangio’s former understudy, Eagles defensive coordinator Sean Desai.