Colorado-born Dalton Risner ended his sophomore year in the NFL with a painful 32-31 defeat to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. After being selected by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft, Risner has started all 32 games with the left guard, bringing stability to a beleaguered offensive line position.
Risner enters his third year with the Broncos as the team tries to regain an identity. The news that John Elway is assuming an increased role in the Denver front office and relinquishing GM duties, coupled with that of CEO Joe Ellis announcing that he has no intention of continuing his position beyond 2022, raises more questions than answers for the franchise.
But the Broncos cannot afford a fifth straight losing season. In fact, the Broncos are the first NFL team to win a championship and miss the playoffs for the next five years and when that series ends, it will take more than just a regime change at the top.
On Wednesday, the 25-year-old fan favorite joined 104.3 The fans Nick and Cecil show to look back at the 2020 season. While Elway and the company searched for a GM, Risner expanded the work the players needed to improve in 2021 and break the five-year rule of the World of Suck.
“Listen, we went from 5-11 this year,” Risner said The ventilator. Yes. I struggle to even enjoy the off season. It’s only day three and I want to get back to the gym because I want to become a better soccer team. It sounds cliché, it sounds easy on the phone. But I promise I’ll get over it. Looking back on this year, I’m proud of guys that I came to work every Sunday, and not even that, but 365 days a year. You have to work out of season as a football athlete. You have to work during the week. You have to prepare properly. I broke the movie every game. “
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According to Pro Football Focus, the 6-foot-5, 312-pound Risner played 1,015 snaps in the 2020 season. While it may appear to the naked eye as if he had a “sophomore slump,” a more accurate depiction of his performance comes out on film and in the advanced analyzes. He allowed a total of six QB hits and 28 total strains. However, he registered no penalties, or allowed bags.
No matter how divided the fanbase and disorganized the team may seem right now, Risner says he understands the frustrations of Broncos Country. He should know, growing up on a farm in rural Colorado and playing six-man soccer as a fan of the ‘Orange and Blue’ himself.
“Listen, dude, it’s special, man,” Risner replied when asked about the difference between Broncos Country and other NFL fans. Guess what? You guys in Broncos Country expect a lot from us, and I love it. I wouldn’t want it any other way. I see some comments after the games and you know what? I don’t get mad, I respect it. Because they wanting to see us succeed and figure this out and see us be great I love being a Bronco, I never give up.
Risner wasn’t afraid to admit how frustrated he and his teammates are at the Broncos’ lack of success. But he also revealed how determined they are to do their part to turn the ship around in 2021.
“We’re fed up with how we’re doing now,” said Risner. “As players, we have to figure this out. Coaches can name plays, and the organization can do position needs and bring in guys. But honestly, guys, with the guys we had on our soccer team this year. Think we’re a much better team than that. 5-11, even with the injuries we had It’s our job in the room, it’s our off-season job to figure this out I’ve watched Broncos football grow up and I was a part of this thing growing up I I grew up in this thing. I was the kid who got screwed up every Sunday, I didn’t want to go to school when the Broncos lost. I know what it’s like to be a Bronco guy, I love it. “
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