Denver, CO
Broncos WR Marvin Mims Jr. saves Denver’s playoff hopes with key punt return in win over Colts
Courtland Sutton smiled. P.J. Locke gasped.
Marvin Mims Jr. was given space on a crucial punt return in the fourth quarter against the Colts and all his teammates on the sideline knew something special was about to happen.
The second-year wide receiver — one of the best punt returners in the league — caught the ball on the far right side of Denver’s 25-yard line before sprinting to the left and down the sideline for a 61-yard return to Indianapolis’ 15.
Two plays later, quarterback Bo Nix threw a short pass over the middle to Nate Adkins that the second-year tight end turned into a 15-yard touchdown with a spin move and shake to give the Broncos a 17-13 lead with 13:51 to go.
It was the first blow landed in a 21-point fourth quarter Sunday at Empower Field at Mile Mile that gave the Broncos a 31-13 knockout victory and secured the team’s first winning season since 2016. And it all started with Mims in space.
“That’s why he’s the best returner in the entire NFL,” tight end Adam Trautman said.
The Broncos delivered an offensive performance to forget. Nix threw a career-high three interceptions, including two in the second quarter. They totaled just 72 rushing yards on 27 carries. And their third-down execution was a mess (6 for 17).
Denver needed someone to step up and ignite a spark. Mims turned out to be the guy.
The Oklahoma product averaged 32.3 yards on three punt returns. With 8:24 to go in the third quarter, Mims returned the ball 27 yards to the Colts’ 39-yard line. The Broncos, however, failed to capitalize, as Nix threw an interception to safety Nick Cross.
But when Mims gifted his team solid field position on his third return of the game, they took advantage.
“It’s like a gasp of air, like, ‘What is he going to do?’” Locke, Denver’s starting safety, said. “He’s dynamic. That’s all he needs is some space, man. I thought he was going to score twice, honestly. He keeps messing with us.”
For Mims, the key to being a successful punt returner is instinct. He said he has an idea of where to run the ball before stepping onto the field. However, there are moments when he has to change his direction in an instant.
Mims said the team’s ability to block down the field also contributed to his success.
“As punt returners, we are supposed to go left or right, but I never know where I’m going to go,” Mims said.
During the season as the Broncos have searched for ways to get Mims involved, the 2023 second-round pick has remained productive as a returner. He entered Sunday with 311 yards on 23 punt returns.
In the back half of the season, he has also made strides as a receiver. He has totaled 218 yards and two touchdowns on 12 catches in the last four games. But to beat the Colts and move the Broncos to within a win of their first playoff berth since Super Bowl 50, Denver needed Mims the returner. His 97 punt return yards against the Colts were a career-high.
“Him doing that, even if it’s 10 yards, is such a big momentum change for us,” Sutton said. “Watching him go down the sideline a couple of times today (was) exciting because at any moment you know that he could take it to the crib.”
DENVER — Saturday will bring strong-to-severe thunderstorms across far northeastern Colorado this afternoon and evening.
The storms could produce large hail, strong winds, and lightning.
For the Denver metro and communities along the I-25 corridor, storm coverage is much lower.
Storm threat for northeastern Colorado Saturday; sunny and warmer Sunday
While a few showers and storms may still develop, many locations could remain dry for most of the day.
Saturday’s afternoon high will reach the upper 70s and lower 80s across the plains, with cooler conditions in the high country.
Denver7
Sunday will be calmer with the storm system moving away from our region.
Sunday will bring drier conditions statewide and plenty of sunshine with highs in the 80s.
There is a chance of isolated showers in the mountains.
Warmer temperatures are expected through the next week, with a chance of thunderstorms returning on Monday.
Denver7
DENVER WEATHER LINKS: Hourly forecast | Radars | Traffic | Weather Page | 24/7 Weather Stream
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DENVER (KDVR) — The last few days of May will be warm and mostly dry, but the Denver weather forecast does show a steady warming trend through the first week of June.
Highs on Saturday will be seasonal and mostly dry with a stray storm possible. Colorado will return to the low 80s on Sunday and will likely be dry across most of the state.
Denver weather tonight: Partly cloudy and mild
Skies will be partly cloudy overnight Friday. Any lingering showers will dissipate by midnight. Temperatures will remain slightly above normal with lows around Denver in the lower to middle 50s. Winds will be light from the south and southwest.
Denver weather Saturday: Seasonal and mostly sunny
Denver will see seasonally warm highs Saturday afternoon in the upper 70s, though the urban core may crack the lower 80s. An isolated storm or two may fire up in the afternoon north of Interstate 76 and the high country, but most of Colorado will remain dry.
Looking ahead: Warming to start June
Monday is the first day of June. Temperatures will be in the low 80s with a better chance for afternoon showers and storms. Winds will also be a bit breezy. The metro area will continue to warm Tuesday and Wednesday into the mid-80s. Both days have a chance for storms, but Tuesday will have a better setup for storms.
Denver will be drier the second half of the workweek as temperatures climb into the mid-80s. Next weekend may see highs back in the upper 80s. That’s not record-breaking, but quite warm for early June by about 10 degrees.
Von Miller has made it abundantly clear that he would like to return to the Denver Broncos and finish his career where it started. Miller has made that fact known at every possible opportunity, including a Von’s Vision charity event on Wednesday.
“I would love to bring back those Super Bowl 50 vibes, love to assist, to be the vice president to Bo Nix, to Courtland Sutton,” Miller said. “I’ve been the guy and also I’ve been the vice president as well. I would love to contribute to us getting back to the glory land, to holding up that trophy.”
Miller went on to note that he has lobbied coach Sean Payton to sign him (Payton coached Miller at a flag football tournament earlier this year).
Unfortunately for Miller, it sounds like there are no plans for a potential reunion with his old club. The Denver Post‘s Luca Evans reported that “as of last week,” there have been no talks between the Broncos and Miller’s representatives about a potential contract.
With a crowded outside linebacker room, Denver seems unlikely to re-sign Miller, but the 37-year-old pass rusher said he will “for sure” play in 2026. After totaling nine sacks with the Washington Commanders last fall, Miller will probably be able to find a home as a rotational pass rusher, but it might not be with the Broncos.
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Denver, CO1 minute ago
Storm threat for northeastern Colorado Saturday; sunny and warmer Sunday
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