Kevin Wolthausen figured an NFL team with an open mind would win.
“Good for the Denver Broncos,” said Wolthausen, the defensive line and co-defensive coordinator at Louisville.
Wolthausen long ago realized what the Broncos – and the rest of the NFL – are learning. Elvis Dumervil, all 5-feet-11 of him, can get to the quarterback. The only measurables with Dumervil that count are his turnstile-pace sack numbers.
The Broncos’ are proud to introduce their newest threat to Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts’ offense Sunday at Invesco Field at Mile High.
Dumervil is the hottest defensive player in the NFL, compiling five sacks in the past two games. The NCAA sack leader in 2005 with 20, Dumervil was inactive for Denver’s first three games as he readied himself for the pro game. Dumervil is ready.
Even though he usually comes in only on third down, Dumervil dominated in the Broncos’ 17-7 victory at Cleveland on Sunday as he recorded three sacks and recovered a fumble. Having played defensive tackle and defensive end in the preseason, he has been flourishing at end during the regular season.
“This is what I did at college,” said Dumervil, who won the Bronko Nagurski Award, given to the nation’s outstanding college defensive player, last season. “This feels natural.”
Dumervil has thrust himself into defensive rookie of the year consideration. His sack total of five is more than any Denver player had all last season. His three sacks against the Browns equaled a Denver rookie best set by Rulon Jones in 1980. Dumervil’s five sacks is the best two-game mark by a rookie in the NFL since Justin Smith did it for Cincinnati in 2001.
His ability to sack quarterbacks was exactly what Denver was desperately seeking when Dumervil was taken in the fourth round. While the Broncos spent the offseason re-signing their own free agents and trading for receiver Javon Walker, many thought a pass-rushing defensive end was the team’s biggest need.
Conjecture had it that Denver, which considered high-dollar free agent Andre Carter, would take a rush end in the first round. However, before deciding to trade up for quarterback Jay Cutler at No. 11, Denver deemed none of the available pass rushers to be worth the No. 15 pick. But they still had their eyes on Dumervil.
Unlike most teams, the Broncos weren’t turned off by Dumervil’s height. He’s short and stout at 250 pounds. Diminutive cornerback Darrent Williams, the shortest player on the team at 5-8, can almost see eye-to-eye with Dumervil.
“You got to give Denver credit for not being concerned about Elvis’ height,” Wolthausen said. “We knew it wasn’t a big deal because of everything Elvis has. The guy has tremendous burst. Sometimes he gets to the quarterback so quickly, it looks like he’s offsides.”
Dumervil has great quickness, is strong and has long arms. Denver coach Mike Shanahan said Dumervil has the reach of a 6-7 player. With long meat hooks, the closing time of a 747 and pure pass-rush know-how, the lack of height has been no biggie.
“Elvis has proven you can get to the quarterback without being tall,” defensive line/tackles coach Andre Patterson said. “The kid just knows how to find the quarterback.”
It’s all about effort for Dumervil.
“I’ve been short all my life,” Dumervil said. “I’m not getting any taller. My game is all about desire.”
The Broncos staff’s eyes were opened to the prospects of a shorter pass rusher when they witnessed several while coaching at the Pro Bowl in February. Among the players there was Colts sack star Dwight Freeney, listed at 6-1, but who appears shorter.
“It was a revelation,” Denver defensive coordinator Larry Coyer said. “It showed us you don’t have to be tall to get to the quarterback. We learned that.”
Wolthausen could have told them that.
Staff writer Bill Williamsoncan be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com
Elvis rocks on
Position: Defensive end
Acquired: Picked in the fourth round from Louisville
Hometown: Miami
Claim to fame: Led NCAA Division I-A with 20 sacks last season, when he set a record by forcing 10 fumbles.
This season: Leads Broncos with five sacks in the past two games.
Upcoming challenge: Dumervil likely will face double teams as his sack totals increase.
