'That's what wins games': Peyton Manning expects new HC Vic Fangio to succeed in Denver

[Miles]

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — In the midst of Peyton Manning’s difficult rookie season, Vic Fangio added one final bad memory to the then-Colts quarterback’s opening campaign.


The Colts headed into the last week of the 1998 season at 3-12, and the Fangio-led Carolina Panthers defense ensured Manning would end the year with another loss.


“I don't remember how much time was left in the game, but I feel we might have still had a chance to get back in it,” Manning said Thursday in an interview with several local writers. “I was actually trying to throw the ball away and I didn't throw it high enough and [former defensive back] Eric Davis intercepted it. It was just a fitting ending to a miserable season.”


But the next year, Fangio joined Manning in Indianapolis. Fangio led the team’s defense and Manning led the offense as the Colts improved to 13-3 in 1999. In practice, though, Manning and Fangio had their share of battles — including one that ended with Fangio leaving Manning a gift.


“He tried to win every practice and they would have the upper hand a lot at practice,” Manning said. “And he really could be irritating. I can't remember what I did. But it seems like they held a lot during one practice. We didn't have refs at practice back then but I was probably complaining about them holding our receivers and Vic put a plate of wine and cheese in my locker. He didn't say it was him but I knew it was him. Only he had access to it.”


Even then, Manning realized that Fangio wasn’t easy to impress.


“If you get a compliment from Vic Fangio, you've done something special, because he does not roll them out there very much,” Manning said. “But it was competitive and I think it helped me a lot.”


Manning joked that their battles in practice must have stayed with him during the years that followed. In 16 career games against Fangio, Manning never lost to the defensive coordinator again. The 1998 game against Carolina remains the only blemish on Manning’s 15-1 record against the Broncos’ new head coach.


“I don't remember him bothering me that much, but I guess I kept it with me,” Manning joked. “But I'm happy for him getting his opportunity to be a head coach. He has certainly paid his dues. He is all football. He is a grinder. And I think he'll do a great job. I think he will.”


Though Fangio is now in the head coach’s office, the former Broncos quarterback and Super Bowl 50 champion doesn’t expect the 60-year-old coaching veteran to change.


“I think Vic earned John [Elway]’s respect and impressed him in that interview,” Manning said. “I’d say he impressed him by being who he is. He probably wore that same gray sweatsuit that he had out there in practice. I think he owns a couple of ties and a couple of suits and [says], ‘Just get me into my coaching gear and a headset and a whistle and let’s go.’ He hasn’t changed one bit since 1999 in Indianapolis. I think that’s what John saw: 'This guy’s a football coach. We need to get back to playing solid, fundamental football around here.'


"That’s what wins games. That’s kind of been the core of what the Denver Broncos have been about, and I think Vic will bring that to Denver."