The NFL is picking up what the Denver Broncos are putting down. The Broncos have captured the league's attention by riding a three-game winning streak with back-to-back wins over the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, respectively.
On Wednesday, Broncos rookie wideout and returner Marvin Mims Jr. was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his contributions to his team's 24-22 win over the Bills.
Mims finished the night with 75 combined return yards (44 punt/31 kickoff). Although he wasn't able to take one to the house, two of his returns went for 25-plus yards. He kept giving Russell Wilson and company excellent field position, though it was difficult for the Broncos' offense to capitalize against a stiff Bills' defense.
As a rookie, it's the first time Mims has received conference recognition. But something tells me it won't be the last.
Selected at pick No. 63 overall in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft, Mims has been impressive to open his Broncos career. As a returner, he's made a huge impact, elevating a phase of the game that has been sorely lacking in Denver since the days of Trindon Holliday.
Mims has also contributed on offense, though it's been a while since the Broncos have truly featured him in the passing game. His 22.4 yards-per-reception average screams for more touches, but he stands with 11 receptions for 246 yards and a touchdown thus far. He hasn't caught a pass for plus-yardage since Week 5, though. Alas.
The Broncos have received conference recognition in back-to-back games, with safety Justin Simmons earning Defensive Player of the Week honors in Week 8 before the team's bye. It's a good reminder that collective success trickles down to individual accolades.
Mims joins an elite group of four Broncos returners to have ever earned conference honors. Glenn Martinez (2007), Eddie Royal (2009, '11), the aforementioned Holliday (2012, '13), and Diontae Spencer (2020) are the only other Broncos returners to garner Player of the Week accolades.
Mims' impact on Denver's special teams has been palpable. The Broncos lead the NFL in kickoff (33.6) and punt return (20.7)average. Mims has notched six kickoff returns of 20-plus yards, including a 99-yarder returned to the house in Week 3.
With 421 return yards, Mims is currently tied for fourth-most in the NFL. If the Broncos continue to score at a more prolific clip, those yardage totals will only climb.
Over the last decade, the NFL has honored the Broncos with AFC Special Teams Player of the Week accolades seven times. 19 different Broncos have earned the award since its inception back in 1993.
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