Gary Kubiak stood in front of his team for the first time Monday and raised expectations. He talked in terms of Super Bowl titles, not a honeymoon period or a methodical transition to a new coaching staff.

“If it’s not a world championship, it’s a bust,” receiver Emmanuel Sanders said.

Even with similar goals to a year ago, the differences are striking. The Broncos will feature a more balanced offense centered on a zone-blocking running attack. Sanders recognizes that his role could change. He expects to play in the slot when the Broncos use a three-wide-receiver set.

WATCH: Will Emmanuel Sanders thrive in a slot receiver role?

“I am comfortable there. I did it a lot in Pittsburgh (with the Steelers) and in college,” Sanders said.

Sanders, wearing a team-issued shirt featuring the “Iron Sharpens Iron” motto, said he will assert himself more in his second season in Denver. He looks forward to working with the younger players, “loosening them up and allowing them to know it’s OK to have fun.” The process began at Duke a few weeks ago when Sanders joined Peyton Manning, and the pair conspired to photoshop Demaryius Thomas into a tweeted picture.

“It was really beneficial. When you go out there with Peyton, it’s definitely work. We are going two-a-days for an hour and a half. Peyton loves to throw,” Sanders said. “And man, listen, we had to pick on (Thomas) a little bit, to let him know that we missed him and were thinking about him. It was a good laugh.”

Pass rusher DeMarcus Ware followed Sanders to the podium on Monday. He said he hasn’t stopped working out since the season ended. His sleeveless shirt explained his offseason before he opened his mouth as the 11-year veteran looked ripped. He benefited from not having to rehab an injury the last few months. While focus remains on Manning’s career nearing the end, Ware can hear the second hand ticking in his head.

“There’s a sense of urgency. The time is now,” Ware said, repeating Kubiak’s message to the team. “It’s about guys being there for each other and taking care of all the small things.”

Troy E. Renck: trenck@denverpost.com or twitter.com/troyrenck