Broncos' Dumervil Says Chiefs' Cassel Is Tough to Bring Down

Broncos LB Elvis Dumervil is the NFL's sack leader with 14 through 13 weeks in the 2009 season.  He had a down year last season, year three in the NFL for him, but overall he's been a consistent pass rusher.

On the flip side, Chiefs QB Matt Cassel is sacked a lot.  Through 10 games as the starter, Cassel has been sacked 35 times.  He is nine sacks behind Aaron Rodgers, who gets sacked a rate of four per game.  Last season, Cassel was the most sacked quarterback in the NFL in 15 starts.

The numbers say Dumervil should have a career day on Sunday.  However, he's not so sure it's that easy.

"He’s a tough guy to bring down," Dumervil said of Cassel. "He’s very athletic and I think he does a great job of making plays with his feet and seeing downfield."

Early this week, Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels said Cassel is a unique player because he can make plays with his legs.  He rushed for over 60 yards in a game twice last season.

"I think we’ve got our hands full and our work cut out for us this weekend," Dumervil continued. "It’s going to be a great challenge though, so I’m looking forward to it."

Dumervil said athletic quarterbacks like Cassel have pros and cons for a defense.  On the one hand, Dumervil says, "If they’re athletic, they sort of give you a chance, an opportunity because they want to make plays, to get to them."  On the other hand, Cassel can show that ability to rush for 60 yards in a game.

I think the Chiefs offensive line will give Dumervil his opportunities on Sunday. That's why I think it's important that Cassel and Co. learn when a play is over and throw the ball away.  That will be decided on Sunday.