Sean Payton praises Marvin Mims, hints at expanded role
Denver Broncos wide receiver/kick returner Marvin Mims turned heads in Week 14 with a punt return touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders. Mims won AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance; however, it has seemed Mims has faded on the offensive side of the ball, an area where he can be so explosive.
“I think you recall, I think he was our first draft pick, [General Manager] George [Paton] and I,” said head coach Sean Payton. “I remember there were two things we felt… It’s been embedded in me: the quickest way to improve a team is the kicking game and get the offensive line squared away. We didn’t have a returner. I remember when we were watching his film, we knew he was a captain at Oklahoma. We knew he was an accomplished receiver, but he was also we felt one of the better returners, if not the best returner, in the draft.”
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Mims has been voted to the Pro Bowl and earned All-Pro honors in each of his past two seasons as a return specialist. His explosive ability in the open field has made him a dangerous weapon on special teams. Payton hinted that the dynamic receiver could also become more involved on offense down the stretch. “Honestly, just coming out of a staff meeting, we have to continue to find more touches for him on the offensive side of the ball, and we’ll do that,” Payton said.
In 2024, it was a similar story for Mims and the Broncos. It took until Week 12 for Mims to have five targets in a game. However, Mims rewarded Denver’s patience, heating up in the last few games of the 2024 season, where he had four receiving touchdowns in the final two games of the year.
Mims has made an impact in the passing game in 2025, as he had several big catches in the comeback win over the New York Giants. But the need for Mims to get the ball on offense can’t be understated. If the Broncos can operate with four top-line receivers, they could be a dangerous unit come January.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: Sean Payton praises Mims, hints at expanded role