Tim Patrick makes it clear it’s Super Bowl or bust for the Broncos

The Denver Broncos are rolling through this offseason with good pace – and of course plenty of energy.  Team workouts are going on right now, and in less than two weeks the team will hold mandatory mincamp at UC Health Training Center.

On Wednesday, the Broncos brought out two players to talk to the media. Each week we get a few different players to talk to us on the days we don’t get to watch practice. It seems like every time we get further insight into this team, this coaching staff and of course the direction the Broncos could be heading in 2022.

Here are my top-3 takeaways from Wednesday’s press conferences.

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Super Bowl or Bust

I love wide receiver Tim Patrick. There’s a lot to like about his game, but there’s even more to like about his personality. Patrick does not pull any punches when he talks to the media. As a player who came into this league as an undrafted free agent, Patrick doesn’t waste any time with his play or his commentary.

I love that Patrick had no problem saying the team is working to win a Super Bowl. That’s a goal they could be able to reach this year with quarterback Russell Wilson leading the way. Wilson gives the team championship aspirations, and it’s refreshing to hear the confidence coming from players like Patrick.

What I really loved about Patrick not shying away from saying “Super Bowl” is how casual he was about it. Having the goal of winning a championship is not out of reach. Instead, Patrick said it – not flippantly but confidently – and I know he’s not the only player on the team who is thinking big – REALLY big in 2022.

“When you see someone carry themselves the right way every day, it makes you up your game not to slack and to put winning first. At the end of the day, we’re all here to win a Super Bowl and if our quarterback does it, no one has an excuse not to do it.” Patrick said.

The team has high expectations this year, and the ultimate goal is in mind. Some say it could take time for the Broncos to gel under Wilson. I say things could come together much quicker, and I firmly believe their Super Bowl window is open now.

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Challenges of Moving

Baron Browning made the move to outside linebacker this offseason after playing mostly inside linebacker as a rookie last year. During his college career at Ohio State, Browning did play both positions so there were questions about where the best spot would be for him in the NFL.

The Broncos staff chose to begin him at outside linebacker, but injuries at the inside linebacker position forced Browning to be moved inside. He did a good job on the inside, and Browning handled the responsibilities of the position with the savvy of a veteran during his rookie year.

Playing on the outside this year, Browning is going to be asked to rush the passer a lot. On the inside, he would be asked to stuff the run and cover the middle of the field. He needs to set the edge against the run, but on the outside Browning will get opportunities to pin his ears back and get after the quarterback.

“I would just say that it’s different being up close on the line. I felt like when I first started out, I was kind of trying to hesitate as far as trying to see whether it was a run or a pass. When you’re inside, you have that time and distance to bounce your feet and really diagnose things. I would say that was probably the only small thing, but I really don’t feel like there have been too many crazy challenges. I feel like I’m pretty comfortable there and I’m making a lot of progress.” Browning said.

I scouted Browning as an outside linebacker, and I know he can make plays from the position for the Broncos this year. I’m glad to hear about his transition back to the outside going smoothly. Browning may not play as much this year as he would if he stayed inside because of the talented pass-rushers in front of him on the depth chart like starters Bradley Chubb and Randy Gregory. He’s not worried about playing time, but instead Browning is focused on playing up to his potential and controlling what he can control.

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Give Me Time

Patrick, like the entire team, is energized by the presence of Wilson. The most common term thrown around Dove Valley is energy, and things just seem different out there. Along with energy will have to come patience for the rest of the offseason and training camp.

Even into the preseason, the Broncos are going to have to work out the kinks as everyone on offense gets on the same page with their superstar quarterback. Wilson is going to be allowed to cook on offense in a way the Seattle Seahawks didn’t let him. He’s running the show, and that means Wilson will be changing plenty of plays at the line of scrimmage if he sees something he likes – or doesn’t like.

Think back to when Peyton Manning would wave his hands wildly before asking for the ball to be snapped. Wilson does some of the same things in terms of audibles, but his gestures are more subtle. His receiver are getting used to these nuances, and to get on the same page will just take more time. Patrick admitted that as they get more time together things will look sharper.

“It’s going to be cleaner and more detailed than now. Right now, we’re just running the plays and we just need to hone in on the little things, but you can’t do that if you don’t know the plays yet. We’re just out there running the plays right now. The more we meet, the more we’re with each other and the more we’re meeting and talking about what he likes and what we like, the more it just hones in the whole offense and we run it to perfection.” Patrick said.

The Broncos have time before the start of training camp at the end of July. I’m sure during their break Wilson will get the receivers together for some in-person workouts. More time with Wilson is never a bad thing, and we all know Wilson is hyper competitive as he seeks to cement his name as one of the best to ever play the position.
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