Rashee Rice has become indispensable for Patrick Mahomes, standing out as a key player for the Kansas City Chiefs when other receivers struggled to meet their potential. As a rookie, Rice owes much of his success to Mahomes, who played a crucial role in making him the Chiefs’ leading receiver with a franchise-record 79 receptions.
Ahead of the conference title game against the Baltimore Ravens, Rice shared insights into his relationship with Mahomes during a press conference.
He emphasized Mahomes’ role as a mentor, praising the quarterback as the best guide for a rookie like himself, having recently entered the league from SMU. Despite being in the NFL for just a year, Rice is already setting franchise records, a feat that wouldn’t have been possible without Mahomes’ support.
In response to questions about his connection with Mahomes and how the quarterback has contributed to his development as an athlete, Rice highlighted their collaborative efforts on different and innovative routes.
He discussed the ongoing improvement in communication between them, acknowledging Mahomes’ guidance on adjusting “personnel and formations” based on game situations.
Reflecting on Mahomes’ influence, Rice stated, “When it comes to running certain routes against zone and man defense, it’s just like if I don’t even have to go to Pat, he’d let me know what he’s looking for, so I can know how to run my route.” Describing Mahomes as a “No. 1 teacher,” Rice expressed his reliance on the quarterback as the “primary source” for advice.
Rice’s impact on the Chiefs is evident, especially when other receivers like Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kadarius Toney, and Sky Moore struggled to make a significant impact.
Having completed an impressive 79 out of 102 targets in the regular season and adding 12 more in the postseason, Rice stands out among rookies, potentially making his way to the Super Bowl.
Mahomes’ influence on Rice was showcased in the wild-card game against the Miami Dolphins, where Rice recorded 177 receiving yards and scored an 11-yard touchdown following a pass from Mahomes. Despite facing an injury and experiencing a gradual recovery, fans can anticipate a fully healed Rashee Rice in the upcoming Ravens game.
