Patriots Notebook

On defense, things stacking up much better for Denver

By Michael Vega

Globe Staff / October 11, 2009

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DENVER - When the 3-1 Patriots arrive at Invesco Field today to face the undefeated Broncos (4-0), they will encounter a much-improved Denver defense. A year ago, the Broncos gave up 257 rushing yards to the Patriots in a 41-7 shellacking.

“Last year, they were horrible,’’ said guard Logan Mankins.

But this year?

“It’s really good,’’ Mankins said. “It’s a new scheme, new defensive coordinator, and a lot of new players. They’ve added some good players - Brian Dawkins, Vonnie Holliday - guys with a lot of experience who have had a lot of success.’’

Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, the former 49ers head coach, has implemented an attacking, pressure-oriented scheme that has the Broncos second in the league in total defense (239.8 yards per game), allowing just 6.5 points, 77.3 rushing yards, and 162.5 passing yards per game.

“Mike has been a great addition to our staff,’’ said first-year Broncos coach Josh McDaniels, the former Patriots offensive coordinator. “And obviously, he has an understanding of some of the things that happen during the course of the year as a head coach because he has experience in that role.

“He’s a very good football coach who comes from a different background in terms of the terminology and some of the things that I was privy to and understanding in New England.

“There’s a lot of different things that we kind of melded together, and we’ve taken a combination of some of the things that I feel are very important that he has done throughout his career. And he does a great job communicating that with his players. And right now, he has them playing well.’’

Flying Elvis

One Broncos defender having an extraordinary season is Elvis Dumervil, an undersized (5 feet 11 inches, 248 pounds) but overachieving (eight sacks in his last three games) outside linebacker/defensive end from Louisville who, in his fourth year, is tied with Cincinnati’s Antwan Odom for the league lead in sacks.

“He’s like a James Harrison-type,’’ said Patriots guard Stephen Neal. “He’s a go-getter. He’s a great player. He’s got eight sacks in three games and that’s amazing.’’

After going without a sack in the season opener at Cincinnati, Dumervil recorded four the following week vs. Cleveland and had two in each of the next two games, vs. Oakland and Dallas, giving him 10 multisack games for his career.

Asked if it was unusual to see a 5-11 player be so disruptive, Patriots coach Bill Belichick said, “Yeah, and [linebacker Mario] Haggan is not a real big guy, either, but they’re powerful. They’re similar but different than Harrison, that type of guy - shorter, more explosive player with good edge speed and quickness.’’

Nothing but zeros

Today will mark the fourth straight time the Patriots have faced an undefeated team after playing the 1-0 Jets, the 2-0 Falcons, and the 3-0 Ravens, pinning the last two teams with their first losses. The Patriots are the second team since the NFL merger to face four consecutive undefeated teams . . . Patriots safey James Sanders was downgraded to out, and did not make the trip. Along the same line, noteworthy is the fact that linebacker Jerod Mayo did indeed make the trip, although he is still listed as questionable, because of the sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee he suffered in the season opener . . . With the NFL commemorating the 50th anniversary of the American Football League, both teams will don throwback jerseys . . . An exhibit featuring game-worn jerseys and helmets was recently unveiled at The Hall at Patriot Place celebrating the AFL. It brought back a flood of memories for Patriots Hall of Famer Gino Cappelletti. “It was great to be part of the American Football League, and I’m happy that the NFL is recognizing it,’’ Cappelletti said. “It’s a credit to those who understand what the league meant at that time and it should not be forgotten.’’