In search of ways to get Marvin Mims Jr. more opportunities on offense, Sean Payton got creative.
Denver’s head coach had seen how the 49ers have used star wideout Deebo Samuel at running back. And routinely watching Mims’ speed as a returner, he thought the second-year wide receiver could be used similarly.
That idea was put on display in Week 10’s loss to Kansas City. In a small sample size, Mims was effective, totaling three carries for 17 yards while averaging 5.7 yards per attempt. It opened up a new wrinkle in Payton’s offense that opposing defensive coordinators will now have to prepare for.
“He gives us a different speed element (and) there’s certain running schemes that 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 pass-catcher immediately embraced the opportunity, spending time with running backs coach Lou Ayeni to go over his new role.
The advice he received from Ayeni and the rest of the coaching staff was simple: Try not to think too much.
“Out wide, you’re kind of split away from everyone. At running back, everything is right in front of you,” Mims told The Denver Post. “You are learning your tempo, especially with different types of runs, and the amount of bodies you’re trying to run through.”
Broncos tight end Adam Trautman thought having Mims at running back gave the offense a chance to get into favorable matchups. On Mims’ first carry of the game, he received a toss 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 shotgun formation, Denver gave the appearance of being in 11 personnel (three wide receivers, a running back and a tight end), even though four wideouts were on the field. Mims received the handoff and sped to the outside for a 14-yard gain.
For Payton, these looks keep opponents guessing.
“What’s interesting is when you send him in the game with two other receivers, a tight end and a fullback,” Payton said. “You’re getting a nickel defense because they’re looking at it as three receivers.”
Despite the success Mims had on a few carries, Payton doesn’t expect Mims lining up at running back to be an every-week thing. Like most plays called by Payton, it depends on the matchup.
“It was just creating a package that some weeks we can expand on,” 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 touches on offense, including four catches for 13 yards. He had only a combined four catches in the previous four games.
This season, Mims has totaled just 11 catches for 69 yards on 19 targets and hasn’t scored a touchdown. The idea of him being a deep ball threat for Nix hasn’t materialized. He has run the go-route 26 times, resulting in one target, according to Next Gen Stats. The majority of Mims’ opportunities have come in the screen game, totaling five catches for 29 yards on five targets.
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“(We are) trying to find ways to get him touches within the framework of what we do,” Payton said. “I told him last week, you’re not changing positions but there are some things that I think he can help us with.”
Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton jokingly said that he didn’t give Mims any pointers about playing running back. However, he enjoyed watching Mims make an impact in his new role.
Given his speed, there’s potential for Mims to turn on the jets and take off for a big play any time he touches the ball — as was apparent when he returned a punt 28 yards to Denver’s 43 in the third quarter. The more opportunities he has to showcase that ability, the better.
“He is explosive and dynamic with the ball in his hands,” Sutton said. “I think there is more to come.”
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