Broncos offensive lineman Dalton Risner: “We better be in the playoffs”

Broncos offensive lineman Dalton Risner is a Colorado kid.

He’s seen this team win the Super Bowl three times. He desperately wants to be part of the next chapter of success. But so far, he’s tasted none of it.

Since being selected in the second-round of the 2019 NFL Draft by Denver, Risner has started in 47 of a possible 49 games. He’s been a mainstay on the team’s offensive line. The Broncos, however, have missed the postseason in all three seasons with a combined record of 19-30. The product simply hasn’t been good enough.

Speaking with local media after the team’s first day of training camp on Wednesday, Risner said that has to change.

“The expectations are different than they’ve ever been since I’ve been here. This is year four for me, the three before we were never talking about ‘man, the Super Bowl is our goal,'” Risner said. “That’s the goal this year. We better be in the playoffs. There’s no reason we shouldn’t be in the playoffs this year.”

Risner, who’s played primarily left guard for the Broncos, is from a small town in Northeast Colorado called Wiggins. It’s been well documented he grew up a fan before heading to play college football at Kansas State.

But it’s go time, both for Risner and this team. He faces stiff competition for his job on the offensive line with Netane Muti and Quinn Meinerz also competing for starting spots. Graham Glasgow is in the mix at guard as well, with only two of the four earning top roles.

With Russell Wilson in town, expectations are just different. Guys can talk the talk, but it’s also time to walk the walk. Risner set the standard on day 1 of camp.

“We BETTER be in the playoffs” – Dalton Risner sets the expectations for #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/eY5tX29pf0

— Will Petersen (@PetersenWill) July 27, 2022

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