One of the players who clearly demonstrated that determined spirit on Sunday was rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice, who hauled in a 19-yard reception that helped set up Pacheco’s go-ahead touchdown run. It was part of a big day for Rice, who caught eight passes for 107 yards and a score in the game.
“He’s a smart kid, and he works tremendously hard at his profession,” Reid said. “He has the trust of the quarterback.”
Mahomes certainly showed trust in Rice early in the fourth quarter when he targeted the rookie on third down just across midfield, and Rice didn’t disappoint. The rookie pass-catcher turned the corner and broke free for a 39-yard touchdown, effectively putting the game away.
“I was running across the field, and I realized that it was a man-to-man defense,” Rice said. “My objective was to get to the other side of the field and [cross] right in front of Patrick’s vision so that he could see me. He put it exactly where it needed to be for me to run that 200-meter dash, and at the end, [wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling] made a great block so that I could get in for the touchdown.”
Rice’s touchdown served as the metaphorical “knockout blow” that Kansas City had struggled to land in recent weeks, and while the offense continued to put points on the board, the Chiefs’ defense settled down to post another strong outing. Specifically, Kansas City held Las Vegas to only 137 yards of offense following its first three drives, paving the way for the Chiefs’ comeback.
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