Thursday, August 30, 2001
[ NFL HAWAII ]
DENVER >> Maa Tanuvasa has started 61 games and averaged seven sacks during the past four seasons. So how come he sounds like a man preparing for a permanent vacation in his native Hawaii? Tanuvasa on the bubble
Star-Bulletin wire services
Despite surviving the first round of roster cuts, Tanuvasa could be packing his bags after Denver's final exhibition game tomorrow night.
With Trevor Pryce, Chester McGlockton and Leon Lett, the Broncos are well-stocked at defensive tackle. When McGlockton sat out last week's game with a knee injury, Jerry Johnson, not Tanuvasa, moved into the starting lineup.
"I've been here for so many years that by now I should be pretty well off, once my career's over, if it does end this year," the former Mililani High School and University of Hawaii star said. "I'm not going to be worried about it. All I can do go out there and play my best."
Tanuvasa has not missed a start since 1997, but his production dropped last year when he had a career-low four sacks. In response, the Broncos signed free agents McGlockton and Lett. Johnson and Montae Reagor, draft picks in 2000, also have seen extensive action this preseason.
Defensive end Harald Hasselbach, Tanuvasa's longtime friend, faced a similar numbers crunch during training camp. He asked for and was granted his release.
"I just get myself up for every game," Tanuvasa said. "Looking at the numbers and stuff like that, I have no control over that. The only thing I can control is how I play on the field, and show other teams that I still can play."