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Broncos WR Marvin Mims Jr. saves Denver’s playoff hopes with key punt return in win over Colts

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”



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Ranking the Broncos free agent needs on offense

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Ranking the Broncos free agent needs on offense


NFL Free Agency opens up on Wednesday, with the legal tampering period beginning on Monday. The top free agents usually all commit to a team during that period, so be ready to rock and roll to start next week.

I figured now would be a good time to do a little discussion around the Denver Broncos and where we think their top priorities should be on offense when free agency kicks off.

Broncos top FA needs on offense

Tim Lynch: For free agency, I’d say running back and tight end are the highest on my wish list.

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I’d say pay big for a top free agent running back and ensure you have a monster two-headed backfield next season. They need a superior run-blocking tight end and, if they move on from Evan Engram, a pass-catcher too.

Christopher Hart: I agree with Tim. Those are the biggest needs for the offense. Getting a top-notch running back and a tight end capable of playing inline to replace Adam Trautman is a must. The two players I advocated a few weeks ago were running back Travis Etienne and tight end Cade Otton. Both would be fantastic additions and help take Denver’s offense to the next level in 2026.

Scotty Payne: Playmaker is the top and biggest need. That includes a RB, TE, and/or WR in that order.

Need to improve the run game regardless, need some sort of production out of the TEs as well as improved blocking, and if they can get a true WR1, that would be great too.

Ross Allen: I think we’re all in agreement.

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Getting someone who can be the dominant running back and have RJ Harvey serve that glamorous “joker” role would be huge for this offense. And given that they also don’t have a legitimate playmaker at the receiving position hurts them. A TE or WR can fill that role.

Sadaraine: The #1 need for the Broncos on offense is a top-notch running back. I will be blown away if the Broncos don’t sign a top-tier free agent running back to upgrade the offense (and no, J.K. Dobbins wouldn’t be that guy…not with his injury history).

There’s a significant gap in need after that until we start talking about tight ends and receivers. I think we’re more likely to see more money spent on a tight end than a receiver, but this offense could use both to be sure.

Ian St. Clair: Not to beat a dead horse, but running back is the biggest need and priority for this team when free agency starts. Having a consistent and effective running game will make Nix and the offense exponentially better. It will make the team better. After running back, the Broncos need to figure out their tight end.

Adam Malnati: Give Bo a weapon. I don’t care which position. Yes, RB is a need. Yes, TE is a need (thanks a lot Evan Engram). Still, a weapon would be nice.

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Predictably, we’re all heavily keyed in on running back and tight end. That was a big part of our free agent profile coverage too and for good reason. There have been many rumors around Denver looking to target both positions next week and where there is smoke there is usually fire.

The question really becomes: go big or go affordable? With the championship window open, I’m leaning go big on premium play-maker positions this offseason.

Where do you stand on this discussion? Give us your top free agent needs on offense and how you hope the Broncos address them next week.



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Denver area events for March 5

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Denver area events for March 5


If you have an event taking place in the Denver area, email information to carlotta.olson@gazette.com at least two weeks in advance. All events are listed in the calendar on space availability. Thursday Camilla Vaitaitis Quartet — 6:30 p.m., Dazzle at Baur’s, 1080 14th St., Denver, go online for prices. Tickets: dazzledenver.com/#/events. Miguel — 7 p.m., Fillmore Auditorium, […]



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Report: Broncos expected to ‘make a splash’ at running back

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Report: Broncos expected to ‘make a splash’ at running back


The Denver Broncos are in the market for a running back.

Just two days after NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Denver wants to have the running back position addressed before the draft, Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported that the Broncos are “poised to make a splash” at running back during NFL free agency.

“Denver is the reason why the Jets used the franchise tag on Breece Hall rather than the transition tag, according to sources, making sure Denver wouldn’t get the opportunity to put together an offer the Jets would refuse to match,” Jones wrote for CBS Sports.

Jones said the Broncos would be an obvious potential landing spot for Kenneth Walker, and he noted that Travis Etienne could be a cheaper alternative. The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider also reported this week that Denver is expected to “closely examine” the RB market, and he name-dropped Walker, Etienne and Rico Dowdle.

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The Broncos also have an in-house free agent at RB in J.K. Dobbins, who has expressed his desire to remain in Denver. The Broncos can begin negotiating with pending free agents from other clubs on March 9, but no deals can become official until the new league year begins on March 11. In-house free agents can be re-signed at any time.

Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.



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