With 'brick' on shoulder, Dumervil pounds QBs for Broncos - The Orange Mane

GSRelyea · 07-30-2008, 11:52 AM

With 'brick' on shoulder, Dumervil pounds QBs for Broncos
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/footb...dumervil_N.htm

By Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Denver Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil has heard it before and heard it repeated over and over.
At 5-11, not tall enough to play defensive end. At 260 pounds, not big enough to take on offensive linemen.

Turns out, player personnel staffs were measuring the wrong part of Dumervil's game.

"Everybody wants to measure him by his height," Broncos defensive line coach Bill Johnson said. "He has the qualities of what it takes to be a good pass rusher — long arms, big hands, quick feet."

"And he's strong," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan added.

Then, there are immeasurable qualities: will, desire, heart.

"I'm a guy who loves the game," Dumervil said. "I don't take anybody lightly. A lot of guys underestimate people. Not me. Any guy from a sixth, seventh rounder, a free agent, first rounder, I approach them the same way — that he's a Pro Bowler. But I think I can outwork the guy in front of me.

"I actually have a natural knack of wanting to kill quarterbacks. That's what I love to do."

If that wasn't apparent at Miami Jackson High when he compiled 60 sacks during his junior and senior seasons and if that wasn't apparent at Louisville after he had 20 sacks and an NCAA-record 10 forced fumbles in his senior season, it is apparent now after two seasons in the NFL.

Last season, Dumervil led the Broncos with 12½ sacks, tied for sixth best in the NFL. It was the highest sack total for a Bronco since 1999. In the past two seasons, just five players have accumulated more sacks than Dumervil's 21.

"I take pass rushing personally," Dumervil said. "You want to beat that guy in front of you. It's an all-out conscious effort. Sacks don't come easy. When you do get them, you really appreciate them."

Dumervil also forced four fumbles, two of which were returned for touchdowns. "There's no better feeling than getting a sack and a forced fumble," he said.

Every team passed on Dumervil in the 2006 draft, and the Broncos selected him the fourth round. He uses that as motivation. Dumervil doesn't just play with a chip on his shoulder: "I play with a brick on it," he said.

He looked to another undersized pass rusher, former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas, for inspiration. Dumervil also wants to learn more about defensive end Fred Dean. Though Dean, who will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, was 6-3, he was considered small at 230 pounds.

Heading into his third season, Dumervil is poised for another strong year, Johnson and Shanahan said.

"When you look at his production, it ain't a flash in the pan," Johnson said. "He's been consistent since the day he started playing. That's tangible evidence that this guy is a quality football player."

Said Shanahan: "He'll be one of the top defensive ends this year. I'll be surprised if he's not in that 15-sack range. You can tell he enjoys playing the game. It's one of the reasons why I think he'll have a heck of a year."

Another reason the Broncos are excited for Dumervil is the 24-year-old's improvement with the mental part of the game. Pairing his physical gifts with a deeper understanding of X's and O's should increase his effectiveness.

"He doesn't start playing the play when the ball snaps. He is playing the play once the huddle breaks," Johnson said. "His professionalism has grown. He's out there leading the pack. He's practicing with a lot of energy."

Dumervil displayed that intensity during drills against the offensive line in practice Monday. Dumervil beat his man and started running his mouth. Veteran center Tom Nalen didn't like that and threw a football at Dumervil.

"He just said, 'Be quiet, Elvis,' " Dumervil said.

PRBronco · 07-30-2008, 11:57 AM

Hahaha, Nalen is good times.

I'm still not super comfortable with the talent level on the D line, but I'm glad we have some guys who are showing huge amounts of hustle (Elvis, Mallard, Peterson). Hopefully it's contagious.

ludo21 · 07-30-2008, 11:58 AM

Only a few short weeks till preseason...

bronco militia · 07-30-2008, 12:02 PM

"I actually have a natural knack of wanting to kill quarterbacks. That's what I love to do."

sweet!

PRBronco · 07-30-2008, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bronco militia

"I actually have a natural knack of wanting to kill quarterbacks. That's what I love to do."

sweet!

Replace "quarterbacks" with "humans" and I think JMFW has found a kindred spirit!

vancejohnson82 · 07-30-2008, 12:17 PM

wheres wolf to say that we "reached" for Dumervil in the 4th

cabronco · 07-30-2008, 12:18 PM

Way to go Nalen. I like Doom's tenacity and ability to get to the Qb, but its tough to see him get steam rolled on running plays to his side. Hopefully that will change some ...

MileHighMagic · 07-30-2008, 12:24 PM

Dooooom!

Paladin · 07-30-2008, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cabronco

Way to go Nalen. I like Doom's tenacity and ability to get to the Qb, but its tough to see him get steam rolled on running plays to his side. Hopefully that will change some ...

Did Gold play behind him side? If so, there's a reason: no support. If he had the "other guy" not named Williams, still no support. People need to just let Doom play. He will be fine as frogs' hair come season......

alkemical · 07-30-2008, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paladin

Did Gold play behind him side? If so, there's a reason: no support. If he had the "other guy" not named Williams, still no support. People need to just let Doom play. He will be fine as frogs' hair come season......

Dude, did you just bust out a mockism?

Drek · 07-30-2008, 01:02 PM

Dumervil's weakness against the run wouldn't be so readily apparent if our DTs did their job and teams had to respect our interior linemen on running plays.

Hopefully Robertson, Thomas, etc. can do that this year. While Dumervil isn't great against the run I don't think he's particularly worse than Reggie Hayward ever was, and we had some very good run defenses during his tenure here, largely thanks to an elite LB crew doing their jobs.

We can make up for his shortcomings, but we can't find a double digit sack artist just anywhere. He's got to be on the field as much as possible except in obvious rushing downs.

Dr. Broncenstein · 07-30-2008, 01:10 PM

This fluff piece affirms my man-crush on Nalen.

tsiguy96 · 07-30-2008, 01:11 PM

nalen is a grumpy old man.

broncofan2438 · 07-30-2008, 01:12 PM

Focus on killing Rivers please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bronco militia · 07-30-2008, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsiguy96

nalen is a grumpy old man.

"Hey kid get off my lawn"

Beantown Bronco · 07-30-2008, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tsiguy96

nalen is a grumpy old man.

You mean the low-life, ass-wipe, egg-sucker John Gustafson?

Have you seen him?

The man's crazy. Loco. Always hanging out around those kinky strip bars. You know, the ones where the men take their clothes off. That's of course if he's taken his medication.

Medication?

Yes, without it he could be anywhere. Wandering around talking to the trees. I'm telling you the man's a menace, he's always drinking, starting fights.

BMarsh615 · 07-30-2008, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSRelyea

If that wasn't apparent at Miami Jackson High when he compiled 60 sacks during his junior and senior seasons

I know that its only high school ball but man that is impressive.

chaz · 07-30-2008, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ludo21

Only a few short weeks till preseason...

try ten days...

Quote:

Originally Posted by bronco militia

"Hey kid get off my lawn"

07-30-2008, 11:52 AM	#1
GSRelyea NEWOUTDOORSMEN.COM Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Saratoga, NY Posts: 1,074 Adopt-a-Bronco: Al Wilson	With 'brick' on shoulder, Dumervil pounds QBs for Broncos With 'brick' on shoulder, Dumervil pounds QBs for Broncos http://www.usatoday.com/sports/footb...dumervil_N.htm By Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Denver Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil has heard it before and heard it repeated over and over. At 5-11, not tall enough to play defensive end. At 260 pounds, not big enough to take on offensive linemen. Turns out, player personnel staffs were measuring the wrong part of Dumervil's game. "Everybody wants to measure him by his height," Broncos defensive line coach Bill Johnson said. "He has the qualities of what it takes to be a good pass rusher — long arms, big hands, quick feet." "And he's strong," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan added. Then, there are immeasurable qualities: will, desire, heart. "I'm a guy who loves the game," Dumervil said. "I don't take anybody lightly. A lot of guys underestimate people. Not me. Any guy from a sixth, seventh rounder, a free agent, first rounder, I approach them the same way — that he's a Pro Bowler. But I think I can outwork the guy in front of me. "I actually have a natural knack of wanting to kill quarterbacks. That's what I love to do." If that wasn't apparent at Miami Jackson High when he compiled 60 sacks during his junior and senior seasons and if that wasn't apparent at Louisville after he had 20 sacks and an NCAA-record 10 forced fumbles in his senior season, it is apparent now after two seasons in the NFL. Last season, Dumervil led the Broncos with 12½ sacks, tied for sixth best in the NFL. It was the highest sack total for a Bronco since 1999. In the past two seasons, just five players have accumulated more sacks than Dumervil's 21. "I take pass rushing personally," Dumervil said. "You want to beat that guy in front of you. It's an all-out conscious effort. Sacks don't come easy. When you do get them, you really appreciate them." Dumervil also forced four fumbles, two of which were returned for touchdowns. "There's no better feeling than getting a sack and a forced fumble," he said. Every team passed on Dumervil in the 2006 draft, and the Broncos selected him the fourth round. He uses that as motivation. Dumervil doesn't just play with a chip on his shoulder: "I play with a brick on it," he said. He looked to another undersized pass rusher, former Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas, for inspiration. Dumervil also wants to learn more about defensive end Fred Dean. Though Dean, who will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, was 6-3, he was considered small at 230 pounds. Heading into his third season, Dumervil is poised for another strong year, Johnson and Shanahan said. "When you look at his production, it ain't a flash in the pan," Johnson said. "He's been consistent since the day he started playing. That's tangible evidence that this guy is a quality football player." Said Shanahan: "He'll be one of the top defensive ends this year. I'll be surprised if he's not in that 15-sack range. You can tell he enjoys playing the game. It's one of the reasons why I think he'll have a heck of a year." Another reason the Broncos are excited for Dumervil is the 24-year-old's improvement with the mental part of the game. Pairing his physical gifts with a deeper understanding of X's and O's should increase his effectiveness. "He doesn't start playing the play when the ball snaps. He is playing the play once the huddle breaks," Johnson said. "His professionalism has grown. He's out there leading the pack. He's practicing with a lot of energy." Dumervil displayed that intensity during drills against the offensive line in practice Monday. Dumervil beat his man and started running his mouth. Veteran center Tom Nalen didn't like that and threw a football at Dumervil. "He just said, 'Be quiet, Elvis,' " Dumervil said.

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07-30-2008, 11:57 AM	#2
PRBronco FML less Join Date: May 2004 Location: North Vancouver Posts: 4,206 Adopt-a-Bronco: I'm so alone	Hahaha, Nalen is good times. I'm still not super comfortable with the talent level on the D line, but I'm glad we have some guys who are showing huge amounts of hustle (Elvis, Mallard, Peterson). Hopefully it's contagious.

07-30-2008, 11:58 AM	#3
ludo21 RIP Darrent Williams Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 17,906 Adopt-a-Bronco: Paul Ernster	Only a few short weeks till preseason...

07-30-2008, 12:02 PM	#4
bronco militia Ring of Famer THE GREATEST Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: colorado springs, co Posts: 22,590	*"I actually have a natural knack of wanting to kill quarterbacks. That's what I love to do."* sweet!

07-30-2008, 12:17 PM	#6
vancejohnson82 Drama and Mediocrity I'm Afraid of Ty Law Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Newark, NJ Posts: 5,990 Adopt-a-Bronco: DJ	wheres wolf to say that we "reached" for Dumervil in the 4th

07-30-2008, 12:18 PM	#7
cabronco Fish & Chips PFM Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: So.Cal. Posts: 5,469 Adopt-a-Bronco: wth happened	Way to go Nalen. I like Doom's tenacity and ability to get to the Qb, but its tough to see him get steam rolled on running plays to his side. Hopefully that will change some ...

07-30-2008, 12:24 PM	#8
MileHighMagic Ho-Slayer Rise and grind! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 1,436 Adopt-a-Bronco: Dave Logan	Dooooom!

07-30-2008, 01:02 PM	#11
Drek Ring of Famer Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 12,316	Dumervil's weakness against the run wouldn't be so readily apparent if our DTs did their job and teams had to respect our interior linemen on running plays. Hopefully Robertson, Thomas, etc. can do that this year. While Dumervil isn't great against the run I don't think he's particularly worse than Reggie Hayward ever was, and we had some very good run defenses during his tenure here, largely thanks to an elite LB crew doing their jobs. We can make up for his shortcomings, but we can't find a double digit sack artist just anywhere. He's got to be on the field as much as possible except in obvious rushing downs.

07-30-2008, 01:10 PM	#12
Dr. Broncenstein Overdriven Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Sterile Fields Posts: 11,619 Adopt-a-Bronco: Wesley Woodyard	This fluff piece affirms my man-crush on Nalen.

07-30-2008, 01:11 PM	#13
tsiguy96 Ring of Famer New to the Forum Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 12,559 Adopt-a-Bronco: None	nalen is a grumpy old man.

07-30-2008, 01:12 PM	#14
broncofan2438 Faneco this... LETS TAKE BACK THE AFC WEST Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: California Posts: 6,302 Adopt-a-Bronco: ERIC DECKER	Focus on killing Rivers please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!