The Denver Broncos will make no excuses in 2022, says Tim Patrick, because it is "Super Bowl or bust" for a new-look team.
The Broncos were a miserable 7-10 at the bottom of the AFC West last year but have reshaped their organisation ahead of the new season.
A blockbuster trade for quarterback Russell Wilson from the Seattle Seahawks was the standout piece of business, but the Broncos also have a new coach in Nathaniel Hackett and a new offensive coordinator in Justin Outten.
While still playing in a highly competitive division, Denver's outlook has now changed completely.
And fifth-year wide receiver Patrick, who will hope to benefit from Wilson's arrival, has outlined the team's need for a fast start.
"We have to do things on our own, so we can get it," he said, "because we don't want to be one of those teams to make excuses – new coach, new quarterback, new offense – and we don't get going until the end of the year.
"We want to come out the gate firing on all cylinders, because it's Super Bowl or bust this year."
Those standards have already been raised by Wilson, who won a Super Bowl in Seattle.
"He's a big presence and he carries himself the right way," Patrick added.
"If you see Russ doing it and you're not... if you can't put in extra work, you're not serious about winning and you don't belong on this team."
LATEST STORIES
Olympic gold medalist Roje Stona among athletes invited to NFL International Player Pathway Programme
- 2024-12-09 10:19:25
- Hits 372
Bill Belichick reportedly to coach the University of North Carolina
- 2024-12-11 18:31:16
- Hits 79