Colorado native Dalton Risner ended his second year in the NFL last Sunday with a painful 32-31 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. After Risner was selected by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft, Risner started all 32 games on left-back and brought stability in a beleagured offensive position room.
Risner is entering his third year with the Broncos as the team tries to regain an identity. The news that John Elway is taking on an increased role in Denver’s front office and giving up GM duties, along with that of CEO Joe Ellis, has announced that he has no plans to continue in his position after 2022. more questions than answers for the franchise.
But the Broncos can afford a fifth losing season in a row. In fact, the Broncos are the first NFL team to win a championship and miss the playoffs for the next five years, and if the series ends, it will require more than just a change of government at the top.
On Wednesday, the 25-year-old fan favorite joined 104.3 The fan Nick and Cecil show to think about the 2020 season. While Elway and the company are looking for a GM, Risner has expanded on the work the players needed to improve in 2021 and snap the five-year government of the World of Suck.
“Listen, we went 5-11 this year,” Risner said. The FAN. “Am I ticked off? Yes. I’m struggling to even enjoy the off – season. It was only day three and I want to get back in the gym because I want to be a better football team. It sounds cliché, it sounds easy on the phone But I promise I’m going to go over it. Looking back on this year, one thing I’m proud of is fellas, how I got to work every Sunday, and not even that, but 365 days a year. in the off-season as a soccer athlete. You have to work during the week. You have to prepare the right way. I broke down the film every game. “
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According to Pro Football Focus, the 6-foot-tall Risner played 5,312 pounds in the 2020 season with 1,015 snaps. While it may seem to the naked eye that he had a ‘second slump’, a more accurate account of his actions on film and in the advanced analysis comes. He allowed six total QB hits and 28 total pressure. However, he did not allow any fines or pockets.
As divided as the fan base is and as disorganized as the team looks at the moment, Risner says he understands the frustrations of Broncos Country. He needs to know and grow up on a farm in Colorado, where he plays six-man football as a fan of the ‘Orange and Blue’.
“Listen, dude, this is special, man,” Risner replied when asked about the difference between Broncos Country and other NFL fans. “And guess what? You guys in Broncos Country expect a lot from us, and I love it. I would not want it any other way. I see some remarks after the games and you know what? I do not get angry, I respect it.Because they want to see us become successful and figure it out and see that we’re great.I love being a Bronco, and I never give up:
Risner was not afraid to admit how frustrated he and his teammates are with the lack of success of the Broncos. But he also revealed how determined they are to do their part to turn the ship around in 2021.
“We are fed up with how we are doing,” Risner said. “As players we have to figure it out. Coaches can call up plays, and the organization can do position needs and bring in guys. But the truth is, guys, with the guys we had in our football team this year. Think we are ‘ a much better team than 5-11, even with the injuries we had.It’s our job in the room, it’s our job in the offseason to figure it out.I saw Broncos’ football grow up and I was part of this thing growing up.I grew up in this thing.I was the kid who was devastated every Sunday, I did not want to go to school when the Broncos lost.I know what it’s like to be a Bronco man, I love it. ”
Follow Luke on Twitter @LukePattersonLP and @MileHighHuddle.