Bates to Make D-Line Very Good

[madaslives911]

Source: The Denver Post

Bates' résumé looks like big hit
Coach has history of lifting pass rush
By Mike Klis
Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Launched: 04/09/2007 01:00:00 AM MDT


Research shows no team might have improved its pass rush this offseason more than the Broncos.

Say what? There has been concern in Denver because the team loaded up on Jay Cutler's side of the ball this offseason without adding a pass rusher. The lone defensive line acquisition, Alvin McKinley, is a run-stopping tackle who comes out on third downs.

Yet, in new defensive boss Jim Bates, the Broncos might have made their most significant pass-rush addition since, well, Elvis Dumervil in last year's NFL draft.

Check out Bates' résumé: In 1999, Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor had 2 1/2 sacks in his third NFL season. The next year, his first with Bates, Taylor had 14 1/2 sacks and added 18 1/2 in 2002.

The Dolphins' other defensive end during that period, Trace Armstrong, went from 7 1/2 sacks in 1999 to 16 1/2 in 2000 - the only time he made the Pro Bowl during his 15-year career.

"We play different techniques with our defensive ends," Bates said. "There's several ways of doing things, and we always adjust to the personnel."

To those who would argue the Broncos don't have a Jason Taylor- or Trace Armstrong-caliber defensive end, there is Adewale Ogun- leye. After playing sparingly as a rookie in 2001, Ogunleye had 9 1/2 sacks for the Dolphins in 2002 and 15 1/2 in 2003, then left for Chicago, where he has been unable to match his production under Bates.

In 2005, Bates' only season of directing Green Bay's defense, end Aaron Kampman had 6 1/2 sacks after getting just seven in his first three years. Last year, Kampman improved to 15 1/2 sacks while employing the Bates-taught fundamentals.

None of those defensive ends came near the rookie production of Dumervil, who last year had 8 1/2 sacks in 13 games.

Weeeeee! i do hope all our defense players will post outstanding sack figures.

[Timbathia]

I cant imagine how good the defense would be if we had two guys that logged double figure sack totals.

[Cupertino_11]

Elvis Dumervil - IDP super sleeper for the win!

Seriously, how many people besides us Broncos fans know about this guy? Sure he had good production last year, but not quite enough to get serious recognition. As long as this guy doesn't get hyped up too much in training camp he can be scooped up in the late, late rounds of your draft. He could be a really nice value pick!

[Timbathia]

Elvis Dumervil - IDP super sleeper for the win!

Seriously, how many people besides us Broncos fans know about this guy? Sure he had good production last year, but not quite enough to get serious recognition. As long as this guy doesn't get hyped up too much in training camp he can be scooped up in the late, late rounds of your draft. He could be a really nice value pick!

The reason he doesnt get noticed much in real NFL terms is that he isnt an every down player. He only comes in on third and long situations. That being said, he is a good option for IDP leagues as he certainly can get to the QB.