Broncos looking to build off encouraging special teams performance in Week 2

Marvin Mims Jr. was a blur.

In the second quarter of last week’s loss to Washington, Denver’s rookie wide receiver fielded a punt from his team’s 15-yard and took off. He maneuvered past a defender before cutting to the outside, taking advantage of the open field near the sideline for a 45-yard return to Washington’s 40.

On a sour Sunday afternoon, Mims’ return and kicker Wil Lutz going 2 for 2 on field goal attempts highlighted an encouraging day for the special teams unit. They are hoping to build on the performance Sunday against the Miami Dolphins.

“Marvin was able to make a guy miss, which shows his short-area quickness, and then he was able to outrun some people,” special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica said. “Not every week you have a long return like that.”

Mims’ return was just one part of a promising performance for the second-round pick. He caught two passes for 113 yards and a touchdown, finishing with the most all-purpose yards (168) by a Bronco in a single game since running back Javonte Williams’ 178 yards in 2021 against the Kansas City Chiefs.

“It’s a number of different things that (Mims) excels at,” head coach Sean Payton said. “He played well last week.”