DENVER (AP) -Elvis Dumervil knew all along he could rush the passer in the NFL despite his diminutive size.
But could the man who led the nation with 20 sacks at Louisville last year, when he set an NCAA record with 10 forced fumbles, play special teams? That was the question.
Unconvinced, the Denver Broncos deactivated the 5-foot-11 defensive end for the first three weeks of the season.
"Special teams, that's what I had to get better at," Dumervil said. "And I knew once I got that down, I'd get my chance to do my thing on defense."
Working as hard on kick and punt coverage as he did on rushing the passer, Dumervil's efforts paid off when he finally made his debut against Baltimore on Oct. 9.
He did nothing that night to foreshadow what was to come, however.
Over the last two weeks, he's recorded five sacks - a sixth was wiped out by a teammate's penalty - and he's added another dynamic dimension to the Broncos' stifling defense that has held five straight opponents below double digits.
"I'm just glad to contribute to this defense," said Dumervil, who plays on passing downs but is good against the run, too. "I sat around and watched how well they were playing in the beginning and I knew I could help."
Dumervil's five sacks are the most by a rookie in a two-game period since Cincinnati's Justin Smith did it in 2001. His three sacks against Cleveland last week - to go along with a fumble recovery - tied a team rookie record set by Rulon Jones in 1980.
"Elvis is a natural pass rusher. He has that natural knack for it," defensive end Demetrin Veal said. "He has a natural feel for offensive linemen and how a quarterback sets up. This is what he did in college. He's doing it now."
Dumervil's 20 sacks last year were the second-most in NCAA Division I history.
The Broncos are expecting him to get extra attention now, starting Sunday when Denver (5-1) faces the Indianapolis Colts (6-0) in the premiere matchup of the weekend.
"There are young guys that have come in, obviously played well as rookies, and then all of a sudden they start getting double-teamed a little bit more," coach Mike Shanahan said. "Then the sacks don't come quite as quick."
Defensive coordinator Larry Coyer said the true test will be how Dumervil adjusts to the increased attention, but "he's got something, there's no question."
Dumervil's stock sank on draft day, mostly because of his short stature - the very thing Dumervil believes works to his advantage because he gains leverage on offensive linemen who are usually six to seven inches taller.
His 33-inch arms are extraordinary for a man of his height.
"Usually a guy with that length of arms is about 6-7," Shanahan said. "That's a little bit unusual, but it obviously helps with the pass rush."
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