Rashee Rice has quickly transformed into the Chiefs offensive centerpiece

Rashee Rice has been the most productive skill player for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024. That production took another big leap forward on Sunday night against the Atlanta Falcons in the team's primetime matchup in Week 3.

During the Chiefs' 22-17 win over the Falcons, Rice was the go-to target for Patrick Mahomes from start to end in the third contest of the season. In total, he tallied 12 receptions, 110 receiving yards and 1 receiving touchdown on the evening.

Rice has transformed into the centerpiece of the Chiefs offense and he has done so at a rapid rate. Let's look at how that's happened so early in his career and what it means for the team going forward.

The Chiefs' passing game is funneled through Rice

It is still early in the year. However, there appear to be some kinks that some of the Chiefs' offensive stars are still working through. Travis Kelce has not had the production we are accustomed to. How defenses are playing him and how KC may be using him can all be factored into that.

On the other hand, the rest of the Chiefs' wide receiver room is still working to establish themselves as reliable targets. Because of the trust and confidence that Mahomes has built with Rashee Rice, there is added comfort when throwing the ball to number four.

The passing game is working through Rice in a variety of ways. The quick passing game toward the perimeter is keeping Kansas City on schedule when targeting him. Over the middle, the Chiefs can still find more breathing room when utilizing the size of Rice. Additionally, there appears to be some added quickness toward the wide receiver's game after the catch this season.

Rice makes magic with the ball in his hands

The work after the catch is truly where Rashee Rice is elevating himself.

We saw some of that magic last season during the latter portion of his rookie year. In the end, he is proving that it will be no easy task slowing him down after the catch. Rice can slip by defenders and essentially squeeze through tight areas to find extra yardage. At the same time, Rice is able to break tackles here and there with some of his physical side.

With defenses continuing to stick safeties deep and over the top, protecting from the deep ball, Kansas City can continue to get the ball to Rice immediately. Until defenders prove that they can stop Rice in the quick to intermediate game and after the catch, Mahomes and Rice will continue to produce heavily. This duo just seems to come up with explosive plays whenever he gets the rock in a short span.

Chiefs need Rice to be sustainably good

Overall, this centerpiece role from Rashee Rice will have to be sustainable for the Chiefs moving forward. He has proven to get the job done in multiple areas. With some veterans holding specialized roles and specific skill sets, no wide receiver can match what Rice brings to the total offensive picture. And as we know, Hollywood Brown will not be back anytime soon.

Games against the Chargers, Saints and 49ers coming up will be fascinating tests to see if any secondary pieces can get something going. But for where the offense sits right now, with injuries and performance questions, Rashee Rice is going to be the most trusted wide receiver of the unit. How much can he continue to grow as Kansas City leans on him? The growth into a full WR1 could soon commence.