Elvis Dumervil made it knownthree weeks ago that he had his sights on the Ravens' single-season sack record.
Now he has his name at the top of the record books.
The veteran pass rusher set a franchise record with 16 sacks in a single season by notching 3.5 in Sunday's victory over the Miami Dolphins. Dumervil broke Peter Boulware's mark of 15 sacks that had stood since 2001 and was one of Baltimore's longest-standing records.
"It's just a blessing," Dumervil said. "The sacks will come and they come in bunches. I'm truly grateful for the opportunity with a great organization, great teammates. So many people played their parts. I'm just grateful to be in a great situation to be able to take advantage of it."
Dumervil's dominating performance was a big reason for the 28-13 victory over Miami in a critical AFC showdown. The Ravens came up with six sacks on Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill, and the pass rush kept Miami's offense out of rhythm for much of the game.
"Our pass rush was brilliant," Head Coach John Harbaugh said. "That's where it started."
Dumervil showed up on a day when the Ravens needed someone to come up with a big game, considering the playoff implications and injuries in the secondary.
Baltimore fell behind early and was facing a 10-0 deficit when Dumervil forced a strip-sack on Tannehill late in the second quarter. The sack led to an eventual punt by Miami, and then the Ravens responded with a touchdown drive on their ensuing possession for their first score of the half.
"We kind of settled in and just started making plays," Dumervil said.
On every drive where Dumervil came up with a sack, the Dolphins eventually had to punt.
The 3.5-sack day continues a torrid stretch by the veteran defender in his second season with the Ravens. He has flourished this year, and has been one of the team's most consistent defenders.
Dumervil has put up numbers that rank among the best in the NFL this year, but he stressed on several occasions that it's a team effort.
"It's not easy. It's hard to come by," Dumervil said. "I can't take all the credit for myself. I have unselfish guys that I play with."
"He'd be the first to tell you that it's not just a one-man show," Harbaugh added. "It's because of all those other guys who are rushing as well, and then the coverage of course."
Dumervil and Harbaugh pointed to the play of fellow outside linebackers Terrell Suggs, Courtney Upshaw and Pernell McPhee who help take the pressure off Dumervil.
But even with the help from his teammates, Dumervil now has etched his name in Baltimore football history.
"Elvis is a great pass rusher, a great football player," Harbaugh said. "For him to be able to get that accomplishment is incredible. We're all proud of that."
