Vic Fangio knows the situation before him. By sitting Mitch Trubisky for another week, head coach Matt Nagy has once again put the burden of success on the Chicago Bears defense going into Sunday against the New York Giants. That’s nothing new for the veteran defensive coordinator. It’s been that way pretty much since he took the job back in 2015.
His group handled it well a week ago, delivering the two decisive plays that sealed a victory in Detroit. There’s just one problem. New York is significantly more talented on offense than the Lions are. Rookie running back Saquon Barkley looks like a future superstar in the league with his mixture of power and athleticism.
Fangio said it would take all 11 guys to stop him. However, he saved his best line by far for when somebody asked during his weekly press conference what it takes to stop Pro Bowl wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
“Going to mass on Saturday night.”
Keep in mind Beckham Jr. is already over 1,000 yards on the season and it’s only been 11 games. He truly is one of the best in the NFL. He’s had at least 70 yards and scored four touchdowns in the past five games alone. So what Fangio says is not entirely meant to be funny. It’s a reminder that this is one of those rare athletes who can ruin a gameplan if he’s not taken seriously.
🔥 Subscribe to the Untold Chicago YouTube channel to hear Chicago legends tell stories you’ve never seen in headlines — real moments, real experiences, straight from the athletes themselves.
Kyle Fuller and Prince Amukamara have played well this season, but Beckham could likely be their greatest challenge to date. Hopefully, Fangio will be able to limit the damage by getting after Eli Manning who’s been sacked 38 times already.
