No Time To Panic: Losing Elvis Dumervil Isn't Catastrophic

Well, I just spent a nice, long week in the very northern parts of Idaho, up next to the Canadian border, completely away from news, cell phones, and Internet.

When I got back, I enjoyed reading about Brett Favre's retirement (again), Knowshon Moreno/Correll Buckhalter's injuries, LenDale White's triumphant (and somewhat confusing) return to Colorado, and most importantly, Elvis Dumervil's ripped pectoral.

I guess Josh McDaniels is pushing them too hard in training camp, because a lot of key players are getting injured.

Or, perhaps, the Denver Broncos simply have a lot of key players.

I know Dumervil is making a lot of money on his new contract, and any injury to such a star athlete is less than desirable; a guy like Elvis cannot be replaced. But he did emerge just last year in Mike Nolan's defense. I wasn't sold on him as a product just yet, and I thought his contract was generous.

If I had read that Champ Bailey was out, I would have panicked. Likewise for Brian Dawkins.

Those two are guys the Broncos defense absolutely cannot survive without. I've watched what happens when you take those types of leaders off of the field, and it isn't pretty.

But Dumervil?

Well, Denver likely won't get the same amount of pressure. Or they might, considering the improved defensive line.

The Broncos linebacking corps is pretty stout these days, in my opinion. I like Robert Ayers to break out this year, and sliding Mario Haggan back to the outside isn't too difficult. The anchor is DJ Williams, as it should be (and would have been even with Elvis), and there are other players who can step in.

Are they going to record the most sacks in the NFL?

I sincerely doubt it. But I also doubt that is what will make or break the Denver Broncos' season. Let's not forget that on the way to Dumervil's breakout sack season the Broncos still managed to go 8-8. Sacks help, but one guy's totals will not win a football game.

This is a chance for everyone to take a big step back, take a couple of deep breaths, and stop making the Denver Broncos about any particular individual player. Elvis Dumervil's loss is unfortunate at best, but the cohesion of the team as a whole is what will win the Broncos football games.

After all, guys like Jay Cutler might be great, record-setting players, but he has never had a winning season in his NFL career.

A player puts people in the stands, but a team wins a championship.

Elvis Dumervil wasn't above that rule. I'm sure all Broncos fans are wishing him a speedy recovery and will be happy to welcome him back when he is ready to play, but for now, the team is moving on.