The Broncos have two defensive touchdowns. Each came off an Elvis Dumervil sack and strip. Both were the biggest plays in Broncos victories. The first came against Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers, a Dumervil sack and forced fumble that Tim Crowder picked up and returned for a touchdown. The latest was Sunday against the Chiefs. Broncos reporter Mike Klis takes a closer look at that play:
The play: Early in the third quarter, the Broncos had just scored to go up 13-8, then kicked off. On the Chiefs’ next play, quarterback Damon Huard dropped back to pass. The Broncos came with just a four-man pass rush. The Chiefs’ blocking held up except for at right tackle, where Chris
Terry was annihilated by Elvis Dumervil. The Broncos’ pass-rushing specialist not only clobbered Huard, he whacked his passing arm so the ball bounded forward. Linebacker Nate Webster picked it up in the middle of the field, then headed right until he scored on a 17-yard return.
Point/counterpoint: Sometimes, it’s not the play call, but the players executing the play. Chiefs coach Herm Edwards said the reason his team came out throwing in the second half was because the Broncos were employing an eight-man box. But it was a simple no-blitz, four-man pass rush that created the turnover. Dumervil beat his man and made the play.
Future prospects: Even if he’s a defensive player and generally doesn’t play on running downs, Dumervil has been the team’s MVP. His huge plays account for half of the team’s wins. Is it possible for someone 5-feet-11 to be called the Big E?
