Does this history matter?

I’m a history guy.

I like to read about it, learn about it, and (most importantly) spin it to today. We all know the “those that ignore history are doomed to repeat it” line. I think it’s pretty accurate.

Prior to Super Bowl 59, I dove into the history between Andy Reid and Vic Fangio. It was extensive—as you would imagine with two of the most-tenured coaches in the NFL.

For this week, I did the same thing for Kyle Shanahan-led offenses vs. Fangio-led defenses. But the results were, well, different.

Here’s what I took away.

First, there are only four matchups. Doesn’t that seem crazy? How can that be? After all, Shanahan has been an offensive coordinator (or play-calling head coach) in the NFL since 2008. Fangio has been around forever.

Bizarrely, we only have four matchups of head-to-head data.

Here’s how they went, with all stats representing the output of Shanahan’s offense.

2011: Fangio (49ers DC) vs. Shanahan (Washington OC)

Points: 11

Yards: 303

Yards per play: 4.8

2013: Fangio (49ers DC) vs. Shanahan (Washington OC)

Points: 6

Yards: 190

Yards per play: 3.3

2017: Fangio (Bears DC) vs. Shanahan (49ers HC)

Points: 15

Yards: 388

Yards per play: 5.3

2018: Fangio (Bears DC) vs. Shanahan (49ers HC)

Points: 9

Yards: 279

Yards per play: 5.2

So, advantage Fangio? Yes, I suppose. But it’s worth noting that the quarterbacks Shanahan had under center in those games were John Beck, post-injury Robert Griffin III, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Nick Mullens. So, one semi-high end guy?

Believe me, I want to say the data means something. I want to scream “advantage Fangio!” but it’s just, well not enough.

Shanahan vs. Fangio is an all-time matchup—but we really don’t know who has the advantage, yet.

We had Ross Tucker on to preview Wild Card Weekend. Here’s his take on the NFC path and out-of-the-box AFC championship pick.

I dove into my one big worry for Sunday’s game on WIP Daily.

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