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WEEKLY Q&A: ELVIS DUMERVIL

Defensive end Elvis Dumervil has been one of the bright spots on a Denver defense that has had a difficult beginning to the 2007 season.

After a 2006 rookie season that saw him post 8.5 sacks, Dumervil is well on his way to besting that mark as he has notched four sacks through the first four games of 2007. Dumervil is currently tied for first place in the AFC in sacks, and has also grabbed an interception and a fumble recovery.

Dumervil sat down Friday to answer questions from fans.

When a defense double-teams you, are there techniques you use to fight through and be disruptive despite having to beat two linemen instead of one?

Michael McElroy
New York, N.Y.

You don’t ever fight two, you’ve got to just fight one. You never fight two lineman at one time. If you get double-teamed, all you do is just try to get off the ball, and worry about one opponent first and then work off the other guy. But you never try to fight two linemen.

What is it like having Simeon Rice mentoring you younger guys?

Kyle M.
Kaneohe, Hawaii

It’s good. We pick his brain. He’s a guy who’s been in the league for a while, has a championship ring and continues to be a double-digit (sack) guy. He’s in the top five of defensive linemen all-time, so you learn a lot from a guy like that. He’s a true vet, and it’s a great honor to be around his presence.

What’s the hardest thing about playing in the NFL and succeeding when everyone says you are “too small” or “undersized”?

Derek Schilson
Colombia, Mo.

It’s fuel for me. It’s just something that motivates you. You never let anybody else say what you can’t do. You just work at it and believe in what you do and have faith, and good things will happen.

You led the nation in sacks with Louisville in 2005, you led the Broncos in 2006, do you think you might lead the NFL this year?

Rudy F.
El Paso, Texas
That would be good, but it’s all about winning. The personal accolades come after the team’s. But if it happened, it would be a great deal. If not, as long as we’re winning, that’s what I’m concerned about.

Do you consider yourself an every-down end or a pass-rush specialist?

Eric
Degraff, Ohio

I’ve been an every-down end this year so far, so that’s what I believe in.

Being slightly shorter than most linemen do you use your low center of gravity to push the offensive lineman out of place?

Aaron
Grand Junction, Colo.

Yeah, definitely. I think I’ve got instant leverage and it benefits me tremendously. It’s a great deal for me. I like being undersized or whatever people say.

What do you want to accomplish when your career is all said and done?

Bajram Bunardziu
Staten Island, N.Y.

Every guy wants to be remembered as a great one. But just go out there and be known as a guy who went hard, played hard every play and was relentless.

Just wondering if your parents named you after Elvis Presley? Do you listen to his music?

James
Virginia Beach, Va.

In fact, they used to play Elvis Presley’s “All Shook Up” at Louisville every time I had a sack. That’s a song I pretty much know, but as far as my name, I’ll have to ask my mom that question. I’ll have to ask her and see what happened.

Who was your favorite player growing up?

Keith Smith
Spring Creek, Nev.

Derrick Thomas. He was one of those guys that I would like to be remembered as, played with effort, high energy, go hard every play and just a playmaker, a momentum shifter.

Has it been challenging adjusting to the new defensive scheme?

Tammy DuBay
Grand Rapids, Mich.

Yeah, but it’s challenging every day in the NFL, going against the best. But it’s been exciting, and I think we’re making strides.

How much can you bench press?

Arnold Johannesburg
Palo Alto, Calif.

450 pounds, but only once.

After growing up in Florida, how long did it take you to get used to the snowy winters in Louisville and now in Denver?

Michael Gilbrandt
Payson, Ariz.

I’m still not used to it. But it’s a mentality — you just have to do your job and take care of business. But man, you’ve just got to get your mind ready for it. The cold is not bad, I like it. The snow is a good look.

Who’s faster, you or Jarvis Moss?

James Erickson
Pueblo, Colo.

He’s probably faster. I think I’d get off on short range, five to 10 yards, faster than him. But in a long, 40-yard dash, he’s longer, so I’d give it to Moss.

What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?

Melissa Patterson
Parker, Colo.

I’m definitely the Madden champion of the locker room, the John Madden video game on Xbox. I like to do that, and I like to study and watch film.

What are your thoughts on Louisville’s rough season so far?

Mike Donaldson
Paducah, Ky.

Man, I don’t know what to say. It’s disappointing, but we bounced back against North Carolina State. It’s about where you finish, so we kind of had a rough start, but everybody’s got to get adjusted to the new coaching staff. But I’ve still got that Cardinal pride.

Tags: Elvis Dumervil

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