This was a tough one for Marvin Mims Jr.
The Broncos punt returner got leveled on a return during Denver’s wild-card game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. He then got penalized for responding after being taunted on the play. The penalty gave the Broncos a longer field on a drive that ultimately ended in a missed field goal.
It all played out at the end of the second quarter. With Buffalo leading 10-7 and two minutes remaining, the Bills punted from their own 40-yard line. Mims fielded the punt and declined to call a fair catch despite Bills special teamer Mack Hollins bearing down on him.
Hollins leveled Mims as soon as Mims caught the ball for no gain on the return.
Bills special teamer Reid Ferguson then stood over Mims and taunted him after the hit. Mims stood up, and the two traded shoves, igniting a minor melee between the two teams.
Broncos flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct here. Even though both teams were chirping at each other only the Broncos got a flag. pic.twitter.com/lY68tDFEjH
— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) January 12, 2025
Officials threw a flag on the play. Mims drew a penalty for unnecessary roughness. Somehow, Ferguson didn’t draw an unsportsmanlike conduct or unnecessary roughness penalty after his taunt.
It was a clear situation for offsetting flags. Hollins’ hit on Mims was legal, but Ferguson’s taunt and post-whistle shenanigans were not. Alas, the Broncos drew the only penalty, which set them back to the 8-yard line.
Denver’s final possession of the half started at the 8-yard line and ended just short of a made field goal. The Broncos drove 60 yards in the ensuing 1:52, but Wil Lutz’s 50-yard field goal attempt at the end of the half bounced off the right upright.
Those extra seven yards ultimately proved costly, and the Broncos went into half time trailing, 10-7, instead of tying the game at 10-10.
