Reflections on Defeat: Sean McVay Prepares for Vic Fangio’s Defense

In December 2018, the Los Angeles Rams, under the leadership of head coach Sean McVay, faced a challenging game against the Chicago Bears. The match-up was anticipated as a quarterback showdown between Jared Goff and Mitch Trubisky. However, it turned into a defensive battle with the Bears emerging victorious, holding the Rams to a mere 16-5 score. This victory was largely credited to the Chicago defense, coordinated by Vic Fangio, which restricted the Rams’ offense to under 250 total yards.

Fast forward to 2024, and Sean McVay, now a more seasoned coach, is preparing to face Vic Fangio once again. This time, Fangio is leading the Philadelphia Eagles‘ defense. Reflecting on that 2018 defeat, McVay has acknowledged the humbling experience as a significant learning opportunity. «I think more than anything you learn that that was a really humbling night,» McVay remarked on Friday. «They did a great job.»

McVay admitted that the game forced a lot of reflection on his coaching methods, adding that it prompted him to make necessary adaptations in his approach. «There are things that I didn’t do a good enough job of putting our players in spots,» he continued, praising Fangio and his coaching staff for their strategic prowess.

The Eagles’ defense in 2024 is particularly formidable, boasting the top rank in yards allowed per game and second in yards allowed per play. Fangio, who has been pivotal in the team’s defensive strategies, previously contributed as a coordinator in 2022 when the Eagles reached the Super Bowl.

As McVay strategizes for the upcoming encounter with Fangio’s defense, he relies on his experiences from the past, hoping that adaptations in his strategies can effectively counter Fangio’s game plan. The forthcoming match is set to be a test of whether McVay’s growth and responsive strategies can match up against Fangio’s adaptable and flexible defense.