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In putting together the defensive rankings for the magazine, one of the teams we debated the most was the Denver Broncos. How would an improved offense affect the defense, and what would the impact be of a six-game suspension for linebacker D.J. Williams?
Now there's a new concern: the arrest of pass rusher Elvis Dumervil on an aggravated assault charge. Dumervil's agent (for what it's worth) says no assault took place and initially indicated no charges would be filed, though an NFL.com report Monday said Dumervil has been charged with aggravated assault. That story can be seen right here.
It remains to be seen how (or if) the charges will affect Dumervil's availability for the season. Jail time or league suspension would be a possibility, although the wheels of justice seldom turn quickly. In any case, those considering the Denver defense or Dumervil himself in IDP leagues need to prepare for the possibility of him missing some time.
What has been clear in recent years is that Dumervil is critical to the team's pass rush. Since his breakout, 17.5-sack season in 2009, the Broncos have ranked 10th, 32nd, and 10th in sacks, and 6th, 31st, and 15th in fantasy defense (in our scoring system which awards 1 point for sacks and 2 points for turnovers). The season they ranked last in sacks, 2010, Dumervil missed the entire season after tearing his pectoral in the preseason.
Look for Dumervil's uncertain availability to cost the Broncos a few spots in our rankings in next week's rankings update.
--Andy Richardson
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