*EDITOR'S NOTE: This story originally ran in the Week 16 Gameday program, when the Broncos defeated the Cleveland Browns 34-12.
How has defensive end Elvis Dumervil's leadership evolved now that he is a captain?
"I think any time you have a guy who has a lot of experience and can share those experiences with the younger guys as well as do it himself, I think it's invaluable that that kind of communication lines are open to the young guys. They can go to him and say, 'Hey, what do you think about this?' or 'What do you think about that?' Elvis has done a great job of leading those guys."
What have you seen from veteran defensive tackles Justin Bannan and Kevin Vickerson?
"I think we've been consistent. I think that we're forging a mentality to be stout versus the run and be able to get after the quarterback. So when you stop the run and you force people into third-and-long situations, we know that our two outside rushers have a chance to be able to get to the quarterback or at least close to the quarterback to cause disruption. The inside guys play a big-time role in being able to press the inside of the pocket and stop the run."
What has defensive end Derek Wolfe's versatility meant to the team?
"Derek's been very versatile. Very few guys in the league can play defensive end and defensive tackle. And he's been able to do both and do it well. So the sky's the limit for him. Him being a rookie and getting this much playing time has been a great experience for him. Now it's just a matter of him taking those experiences and taking it to the next level as the years progress."
Have you encountered any surprises in your first season as a defensive line coach?
"There are always surprises every day. Whether it be a technique here or an adjustment there or even personality traits between guys, every day is a new adventure. We just take it one day at a time and go from there."
Do you enjoy being able to coach on the same staff as your brother Jeff, who is the team's special teams coordinator?
"It's been great. We hadn't lived in the same town since high school until last year. So it's been a great opportunity for us to not only live in the same town, but him to be able to experience my kids and be an Uncle Jeff. At the same time, I'm sure mom and dad don't mind just one destination for football games rather than have to spit time and go two places."
