Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Elvis Dumervil: Baltimore Introduces Next Great Pass-Rusher, Reminiscent of Boulware

The defending Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens put to rest "FaxGate" by introducing former Denver Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil.

The 29-year old was forced out of Denver after an incident involving his now-fired agent Marty Magid and a fax machine. On Friday March 15––the deadline for the Broncos to restructure Dumervil's contract and have his $12 million due to him for the 2013 season fully guaranteed––the Broncos were hit with a "dead money" cap hit of $4.869 when Magid faxed the paperwork six minutes late.

Dumervil could have re-signed with the Broncos the following day, but it would have cost Denver more money. Elvis, who had been very interested in staying in Denver, fired his agent and hit the free agent market.

The Ravens and General Manager Ozzie Newsome made a move for Dumervil, signing him to a 5-year deal worth $35M ($8M guaranteed) three days ago.

Dumervil, half of Denver's "Doom and Gloom" duo over the last two seasons alongside linebacker Von Miller, spent six seasons with the Broncos after being selected in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. In 75 starts, Elvis recorded 63.5 sacks, including a league-leading 17.0 in 2009.
When healthy, Dumervil can be one of the most dominating pass-rushing forces coming off the edge. Coupled with returning veteran outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, the Ravens could have a potent passing attack on the defensive side of the ball in 2013, despite losing key pieces this offseason.

When introduced to the media yesterday, Dumervil flashed his brand new purple No. 58 jersey and talked about his exciting new venture for 2013.

Speaking of the No. 58 jersey, I can't be the only one who felt the need to reminisce about the last time there was a dominant pass-rusher coming off the edge sporting that jersey? Baltimore fans, do you remember outside linebacker Peter Boulware?

Boulware, now 38 years old and also a former fourth round pick, played his entire nine-year career playing outside linebacker for the Ravens. From 1997-2005, Boulware recorded 70.0 sacks and was selected to four Pro Bowls. Like Dumervil, Boulware had three seasons with double-digit sacks and recorded 7.0 sacks during Baltimore's 2000 Super Bowl run.
Though Dumervil played a majority of defensive end in Denver, it's pretty clear that he will likely mirror Suggs and switch to outside linebacker in Baltimore's 3-4 defense. The front line looks to be a bit crowded already, with Haloti Ngata, Terrence Cody, Arthur Jones and newly-signed Chris Canty, Dumervil has no choice but make the switch.

With top pass-rusher from last season, Paul Kruger, heading out of town for Cleveland for a boatload of cash, it appears as though the pass-rush will take a step forward in 2013. Especially with a fully healthy Suggs returning to the field in September.

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