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Broncos' Lloyd Not Stressing Over Expectations

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) - With his NFL-best 1,448 yards receiving last season for the Denver Broncos, Brandon Lloyd was hard to miss.

Now, he is beginning the process of trying to rediscover the on-field success that produced career bests in receptions (77), receiving average (18.8) and receiving TDs (11) -- the kinds of numbers that eluded him in previous stops in San Francisco, Washington and Chicago.

Lloyd credits last season's statistical uptick to opportunity that was absent in previous seasons. Still, he isn't about to set himself up for failure by having unrealistic expectations for this season.

"I don't expect to repeat it," he said. "I didn't expect to do that last year. So, all I can do is be prepared, know my plays, stay healthy and go out and execute. And whatever happens, happens."

Lloyd knows last season's success created heightened expectations. Just don't expect him to get caught up in that.

"Last year was fun as hell. I loved it. I would love to do that again," he said. "But if it doesn't happen I'm not going to stress out. I'd much rather win 10 games than put up 1,400 receiving yards."

New coach John Fox's offensive philosophy of establishing a physical running game could reduce Lloyd's numbers anyway. Denver ran the ball less than 40 percent of the time last season, a number that is sure to increase this season.

At the same time, Carolina receiver Steve Smith had a string of 1,000-yard receiving seasons with Fox as coach.

And there's no question quarterback Kyle Orton will throw the ball to him. The pair connected four times for 55 yards in Saturday's preseason win over the Bills, just missing once when the receiver barely failed to secure a one-handed, diving attempt.

"We'll run the ball as much as we can, but once we get one-on-one with Brandon, that's where the ball is going to go," Orton said. "He's a special player, he really is, a great route runner. He's one of the best route runners in the league. And certainly everybody can see how he can go up and get the football."

Lloyd said hasn't somehow reinvented himself at age 30. The athleticism to which Orton alluded has always been there. Lloyd may have only had four 100-yard games going into last season, three coming in 2005, but his NFL career had produced more than a few highlights.

"I think my biggest gift is my imagination," Lloyd said. "I think I can catch everything. I really do and I want to try. One hand. Two hands. Left hand. Right hand. Catch with my feet. Behind my back. Over somebody. You name it, I visualize doing it."

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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