December 16th 2024.
As the fourth quarter against the Colts began, Courtland Sutton couldn't help but flash a smile. He knew something special was about to happen. P.J. Locke, on the other hand, couldn't contain his astonishment as he watched Marvin Mims Jr. get some much-needed space on a crucial punt return.
The entire sideline was buzzing with anticipation as the second-year wide receiver, known for his impressive punt return skills, caught the ball on the far right side of the field. With lightning speed, Mims sprinted to the left and down the sideline for a jaw-dropping 61-yard return, bringing the Broncos to Indianapolis' 15-yard line.
Just two plays later, quarterback Bo Nix threw a short pass to Nate Adkins, who then turned it into a 15-yard touchdown with an impressive spin move and shake. With 13:51 left in the game, the Broncos took the lead 17-13, and it was all thanks to Mims and his incredible speed and agility.
This play was just the beginning of a 21-point fourth quarter for the Broncos, ultimately leading them to a decisive 31-13 victory and their first winning season since 2016. And it all started with Mims, who had been given the space he needed to make a game-changing play.
It was no surprise to his teammates when Mims pulled off this incredible return. "That's why he's the best returner in the entire NFL," tight end Adam Trautman exclaimed, in awe of Mims' skills.
The Broncos' offense had been struggling throughout the game, with Nix throwing three interceptions and the team only managing 72 rushing yards. Their third-down execution was a mess. But with Mims in the mix, they had found a much-needed spark.
The Oklahoma product averaged an impressive 32.3 yards on three punt returns, and each time he touched the ball, the entire team held their breath in anticipation. With 8:24 left in the third quarter, Mims returned the ball 27 yards to the Colts' 39-yard line, giving the Broncos a prime opportunity to score. Although they didn't capitalize on this particular drive, Mims' impact on the game was undeniable.
For P.J. Locke, Mims' success as a punt returner comes down to pure instinct. While he may have an idea of where to run the ball before stepping onto the field, he also has to be able to change direction in a split second. And his ability to do so has been a game-changer for the Broncos.
Mims himself credits his team's excellent blocking down the field for his success as a returner. "As punt returners, we're expected to go left or right, but I never know where I'm going to go," he explained.
Throughout the season, the Broncos have been searching for ways to get Mims more involved in the offense, but he has remained a consistent and crucial part of the team as a returner. Before Sunday's game, he had already racked up an impressive 311 yards on 23 punt returns.
But against the Colts, his skills as a returner were more crucial than ever. In the back half of the season, Mims had also made significant strides as a receiver, with 218 yards and two touchdowns in the last four games. However, to secure a win against the Colts and move closer to their first playoff berth since Super Bowl 50, the Broncos needed Mims the returner. And he delivered, with a career-high 97 punt return yards in the game.
Sutton summed it up perfectly, saying, "Him doing that, even if it's just 10 yards, is such a big momentum change for us. Watching him go down the sideline a couple of times today was so exciting because at any moment, you know that he could take it to the house." Mims had not only given the Broncos a much-needed spark, but he had also given them hope for a successful season.
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