The Kansas City Chiefs got a much needed win on Sunday when they defeated the New England Patriots 27-17. It was far from a perfect game, with turnovers, wide receiver drops, and offensive line play still keeping the Chiefs from firing on all cylinders. However, there were several positive takeaways from this game as well.
At this point, the Chiefs' remaining games are about eliminating mistakes and finding positive things to build around going into the playoffs. While the negatives haven't been eliminated yet (and may never be), there are four things from this game that I believe the Chiefs can continue to build around that should have KC fans feeling positive. Let's start with the biggest one.
Rashee Rice Is Breaking Out In A Major Way
While the wide receiver position as a whole continues to be an issue for the Chiefs, it's not due to the play of rookie wideout Rashee Rice. In a season where K.C. has desperately needed a pass catcher other than Travis Kelce to emerge, Rice has officially stepped up and answered the call. On Sunday he put up 9 catches for 91 yards and a touchdown. It was Rice's fourth highly productive game in a row.
Over his last four games, Rice has had 32 receptions for 334 yards and three touchdowns. To put those numbers in perspective, if Rice were to maintain those numbers over a full 17-game season it would total 136 receptions for over 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns. That's elite wide receiver production by any standard.
The best part is that RIce is still learning the offense, developing as a route runner, and building a relationship with Patrick Mahomes. If he can continue to improve in those areas the sky is the limit for this young wideout. Keep in mind, typically rookies aren't big producers in Andy Reid's offense, but it appears the Chiefs have found another top weapon to pair with Travis Kelce in the passing game as they head down the home stretch of the season.
Rice's production has been especially important these past couple of games with the Chiefs missing another one of their key playmakers, Isiah Pacheco, but versus the Patriots another bright spot was how well the other running backs filled in.
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