AN ALL-AROUND EFFORT
The DBs weren't the only players looking sharp during Monday morning's practice.
The defensive line disrupted play after play during drills, whether they be 11-on-11 or just simple line drills.
On three consecutive plays, Marcus Thomas broke through the line to stop the runner cold. On 10 out of 15 o-line vs. d-line drills, the defensive players made it past their offensive counterparts to register would-be sacks.
One player all over the field was Elvis Dumervil. Whether spinning by Ryan Clady to make a tackle or cheering on Larry Birdine after a good play, No. 92 made his presence known. And when he took the podium after practice, he quickly made it known that he sees nothing but positive things ahead.
"I think OTAs went really well, and camp is going really smooth," said the third-year defensive end. "I'm looking forward to this year with a group of great guys, and I think we'll do much better than last year. The scheme is going really well. For just the fourth day of camp, we have a foundation in and the package going right."
At 5-foot-11, 260 pounds, many draft gurus called him undersized when the Broncos selected him in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. That left Dumervil with something to prove, and though he has already made a big impact with 21 sacks in two seasons, he remains hungry for much, much more.
"I've got a big brick on my shoulder. Y'all don't see it?" Dumervil said. "I'm still motivated. I want to get to the playoffs. I feel like I have a lot to learn and a lot of room to grow. I'd like to take the challenge to become the leader of the d-line room."
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Im excited for the Dline. I think when you have a player bust through and make a stop in the backfield three plays in a row, its got alot to do with the Oline. The good news is, we have everyone on the Oline that we had last year, except Lepsis and Myers. Worse comes to worse, we can always play Clady at LT, Kuper at LG, Nails at center, Montrae at RG and Pears at RT. That would still be an upgrade over last years line. I think maybe Hamilton is taking some time readjusting, and Nails as well.
But its still good news to see the lines going at it.