Rashee Rice was a popular ‘watch for’ name in the Kansas City Chiefs’ opening preseason game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. The former SMU receiver produced a solid performance in his limited action with the second-string offense.
Rice was asked how he felt about his first preseason game after the Chiefs’ practice on Tuesday.
Said Rice: “I think I played well – being able to transition from college to the NFL – big spotlight, [different game feel].”
In college, Rice was the focal point of the offense, and that led to him being much more fatigued after games. The 23-year-old receiver felt more refreshed after Sunday’s game. In addition to playing less snaps than a prototypical game, Rice pointed to the fact that there are more players that can make an impact.
“Honestly, I was a lot more refreshed than I would be if I was in college because we have a lot more guys that contribute on offense,” Rice explained. “Not everybody played as much as they normally would, and that let us keep our pace and take our time on the sideline.”
Butterflies are completely normal for any rookie making their professional debut. Rice felt that nervous energy being under the lights in New Orleans.
“I [am] not going to lie I was a little nervous just because there are a lot of lights [in the dome],” Rice said. “You just knew that you were in the spotlight on the field. Even the first time running on the field, I knew that everyone [saw] me run onto the field by myself.”
The speed of the game was comfortable for Rice, despite it being his debut against an NFL defense. The rookie receiver pointed out how practice has helped him adapt to the speed on the field.
“I think everything we do in practice translates to the game,” Rice said. “The speed we do out here [in practice] is the same thing we went through in the game.”
Although practices help rookie players gain a better understanding of what to expect, there is nothing like going up against a real defense in live action. He’ll get plenty more experience on Saturday against the Arizona Cardinals when Kansas City travels to the desert for their second preseason matchup.