Danny Trevathan loves Vic Fangio. There is no question about it. The man stayed patient with the linebacker through some tough seasons in 2016 and 2017 that were marred by injuries. That patience led to Trevathan’s all around best year in 2018. This included 102 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, a forced fumble, and 8 tackles for loss. The guy did not make a lot of mistakes and was the brains of that top-ranked Chicago Bears defense.
That said, Trevathan also chaffed a little bit in Fangio’s system. The veteran coordinator comes from the Lovie Smith-type of style. He believes in a disciplined, patient approach. Rush four defenders, drop seven and force the offense to work their way down the field without making mistakes. If the talent on defense is good enough, it works wonders as everybody saw last season.
Trevathan though wasn’t always the most comfortable in that system as it turns out. He explained why to Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic and why switch to Chuck Pagano as defensive coordinator is welcome news.
“In this defense, you are more able to fly around and create chaos and that’s what I’m used to,” he said. “I’m looking forward to going out there and showing them.”
Trevathan also said (perhaps jokingly, perhaps not) that he is trying to learn how to play both sides of the ball, “in case I get that call one day.”
Danny Trevathan will likely be turned loose in 2019
It’s no secret that Pagano is known for being a more aggressive coordinator. He doesn’t like to sit back and let the offense have the initiative. He prefers to attack and force them into making mistakes. That means tight coverage in the secondary and creative pass rush packages. This means a lot more blitzing from the inside linebackers. Something that Trevathan seems to enjoy given his regular knack for getting sacks and tackles for losses.
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It likely reminder him of the system he played in under Wade Phillips in Denver in 2015, another 3-4 coordinator known for his willingness to turn the dogs loose. Everybody knows that defense became one of the best of the past decade, paving the way to a Super Bowl title. It would appear Trevathan is back in his comfort zone, and that can only mean good things for the upcoming season.
