If Saturday proved anything, it would be that Rashee Rice is going to be utilized in multiple ways. The 23-year-old wideout demonstrated his versatility in his breakout game against Arizona.
Rice talked about his performance on Monday following practice, while giving Andy Reid credit for placing him in those positions.
“[Coach Reid] has been doing it for so long that he knows exactly where a player can fit in his offense because it has been the same offense for a long time,” Rice explained. “Wherever Coach [Reid] can put me to where I can contribute, be a playmaker, I’m going to go to that spot.”
Knowing the playbook is key to a rookie’s development. Rice is becoming more comfortable with the playbook, and he understands how important that is to succeed in Reid’s offense.
“I feel really comfortable. You can never know the playbook too much with Coach Reid,” Rice continued. “The more positions you know on the field, the more you will be on the field. I just feel like as much as I’m in the playbook when I’m here [team facilities] or when I’m at home, it’s going to help me contribute to the offense.”
Through two preseason games, Rice looks like he is ready to contribute sooner rather than later. The former SMU receiver is not your prototypical rookie with his experience and overall understanding of coverages and what his quarterback sees on the field.