Looking for ways to give Marvin Mims Jr. more opportunities on offense, Sean Payton got creative.

Denver’s head coach saw how the 49ers used star Deebo Samuel in the run. And routinely watching Mims’ speed as a returner, he thought the second-year wide receiver could be used similarly.

That idea was on display in the Week 10 loss to Kansas City. In a small sample size, Mims was efficient, totaling three carries for 17 yards while averaging 5.7 yards per attempt. It opened a new wrinkle in Payton’s offense that opposing defensive coordinators will now have to prepare for.

“He gives us another element of speed (and) there are certain run schemes he would be very comfortable with,” Payton said.

Mims said Payton approached him the week of the game to talk about the team’s plan to use him at running back. Mims didn’t need a sales job. The 22-year-old immediately jumped at the opportunity, spending time with backs coach Lou Ayeni to settle into his new role.

The advice he got from Ayeni and the rest of the coaching staff was simple: Try not to think too much.

“Outside, you’re kind of cut off from everyone. On the run, everything is right in front of you,” Mims told The Denver Post. “You learn your tempo, especially with different types of runs and the amount of bodies you’re trying to run through.”

Adam Trautman thought Mims’ run defense gave the offense a chance to get into favorable plays. On Mims’ first carry of the game, he took a throw from quarterback Bo Nix before running for a 4-yard gain.

Later in the quarter, Mims was given another chance.

With Mims lined up next to Nix in the shotgun formation, Denver gave the impression of being down 11 personnel (three wide receivers, a running back and a tight end) even though four wideouts were on the field. Mims took the handoff and sped to the outside for a 14-yard gain.

For Payton, those looks keep opponents guessing.

“What’s interesting is when you put him in the game with two other receivers, a tight end and a fullback,” Payton said. “You get a nickel defense because they look at it as three receivers.”

Despite the success Mims has had on some carries, Payton doesn’t expect Mims lining up against the run to be a weekly thing. Like most of the plays Payton calls, it depends on the matchup.

“It was just creating a package that we can expand on in a couple of weeks,” Payton said.

That said, the new look could open the door for Mims to be more involved in the offensive game plan. Against the Chiefs, the former Oklahoma standout had seven touchdowns on offense, including four catches for 13 yards. He had just four combined catches in the last four games.

This season, Mims totaled just 11 catches for 69 yards on 19 targets and no touchdowns. The idea of ​​him being a deep threat to Nix didn’t materialize. He ran the route 26 times, resulting in a target, according to Next Gen stats. Most of Mims’ opportunities came in the screen game, totaling five catches for 29 yards on five targets.

“We’re trying to find ways to tap into what we’re doing,” Payton said. “I told him last week you don’t change positions, but there are a few things I think he can help us with.”

Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton joked that he didn’t give Mims any pointers about playing quarterback. Still, he enjoyed watching Mims make an impact in his new role.

Given his speed, Mims has the potential to turn on the jets and take off for a big play whenever he touches the ball — as was evident when he returned a punt 28 yards to Denver’s 43 in the third quarter. The more opportunities he has to demonstrate this ability, the better.

“He’s explosive and dynamic with the ball in his hands,” Sutton said. “I think there’s more to come.”

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Originally published: November 14, 2024 at 9:22 PM MST