Denver Broncos wide receiver and returner Marvin Mims was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after he totaled 97 punt-return yards in a 31-13 win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 15.
Mims’ 61-yard punt return in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game set up a go-ahead touchdown for the Broncos, and the team never looked back from there. After Sunday’s win, the receiver deflected praise to his blocking teammates.
“I think the punt returners, we know how good we are and how we’re at the top of the league at it and we have a lot of confidence in that unit,” Mims said. “To be able to get that opportunity, it’s goes good for us almost every time. Those guys are really into it, they clean it up a lot for me to make a play.”
The receiver has made an impact for Denver both on offense and on special teams this year, playing as a receiver, running back and returner.
“I think Marvin has had an unbelievable year,” offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey said. “Especially the second half of this year, we’re using him a lot on offense. He’s been in the backfield, the slot, out wide, and obviously his calling card has always been in the return game.
“He’s been so vital for us not only this year, but last year making the Pro Bowl as a rookie for returning. That gave us a spark tonight and we needed it. Our defense and special teams gave us a lot of help. Marvin had two or three returns that really changed the game.”
This is the second time Mims has won a Special Teams Player of the Week award after he previously took home the honor as a rookie in Week 10 last season.
“I tell him all the time — those plays, those hidden yards, somebody that didn’t watch the game, they’re not going to see that highlight, but anybody that’s tapped into the game and really watches it and wants to understand what’s going on in the game will understand him doing that,” receiver Courtland Sutton said. “Even if it’s 10 yards, it’s such a big momentum change for us.
“Just to see him running with the ball — he’s an exciting guy with the ball in his hands — and watching him go down the sidelines a couple times today, it’s exciting because at any moment you know that he could take it to the crib. It gives us that switch; we were kind of struggling moving the ball consistently and for him to go and get us those hidden yards and for us to be able to capitalize on them is huge.”
Mims, 22, has totaled 902 all-purpose yards and scored two touchdowns so far this season. He’s an underrated part of the team’s success, but this award will help put Mims in the spotlight where he belongs.
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