The Denver Broncos ended their playoff hopes after a 34-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
That defeat guaranteed a third straight losing season under head coach Vic Fangio.
It also extended their postseason drought to six seasons.
This setback should be enough for the Broncos to part ways with the defensive-minded mentor.
The Broncos are better off with a head coach with an offensive mind to maximize their talent on that side of the field.
Denver Couldn’t Put It Together
The Broncos were able to amass the right talent through the NFL Draft since Fangio joined the team in 2019.
That year, they drafted tight end Noah Fant and quarterback Drew Lock.
They got Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler a year later with their first two picks.
Offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz and running back Javonte Williams were some of their selections from the 2021 draft.
Drew Lock is not the answer
Teddy Bridgewater is not the answer
Pat Shurmur is not the answer
Vic Fangio is not the answer #BroncosCountry can we all agree?
— Denver Broncos 365 (@DailyBroncos) December 27, 2021
But those talents didn’t translate to wins as the Broncos finished 7-9 in Fangio’s first season.
Despite the losing record, it was evident that Denver was on to something when they finished 7-5 after losing their first four games.
That momentum fizzled when the Broncos finished 5-11 in 2020.
Hoping for a change, the franchise brought in quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to take over from Lock.
His addition might have helped the Broncos turn the tide by winning their first three games in 2021.
Brandon McManus has had enough of Vic Fangio #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/0W2XjALcXD
— Barstool Denver (@BarstoolDenver) December 27, 2021
Unfortunately, those hopes went up in smoke again after going 4-9 the rest of the way.
Worst, they couldn’t close the deal when their playoff aspirations were on the line.
The Broncos lost four of their last five games, with three defeats against AFC West teams.
Their only victory was against the Detroit Lions.
Fangio and the coaching staff couldn’t capitalize on the talent they had, which has the makings of an explosive unit.
For that reason, the Broncos are better off without him, especially now that they’re lagging behind in a highly-competitive division.
One Quarterback Away?
The Broncos are the only AFC West team without a marquee quarterback.
No offense to Bridgewater, but he’s more of a game manager who limits mistakes to give Denver winning opportunities.
He’s not as explosive as Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Derek Carr.
That reality is depressing for Broncos fans, especially with their balanced roster.
Willams and Melvin Gordon III both have over 800 rushing yards.
Jeudy, Tim Patrick, and Courtland Sutton form a formidable receiving trio that could benefit from a better play-caller.
Imagine if the Broncos could lure Aaron Rodgers to play with this crew.
REPORT: NFL insider Peter King suggested today that “Aaron Rodgers would go to Denver if they target the Packers OC Nathaniel Hackett to replace Vic Fangio” pic.twitter.com/JrfzREfWQF
— Denver Broncos 365 (@DailyBroncos) December 27, 2021
After spending over a decade with the Seattle Seahawks, even Russell Wilson might be shopping for a new home.
Quarterbacks of their caliber can make Denver’s offense limitless.
However, it isn’t easy to attract such talent if Fangio continues to be at the helm.
Their defense is already solid, giving up only 18.4 points per game (third-best in the NFL).
Denver’s secondary featuring Kareem Jackson, Justin Simmons, and Patrick Surtain II can bring nightmares to opponents.
The Fangio resume:
1-24 when trailing at half
Underutilized offensive talent for years
Can’t clock manage
Can’t challenge a play
Can’t develop players
Completely uninspired
Hired Pat Shurmur
Advocates for Tom McMahon
Why is Vic Fangio still here?
— Denver Broncos 365 (@DailyBroncos) January 2, 2022
That said, the Broncos need more adjustments on offense, and having a head coach with that mindset will help.
Therefore, it would be better for the franchise to get rid of Fangio after this season.
Otherwise, they will continue to lag behind their division rivals that can light up the scoreboard any given game.
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