Danan Hughes explains how 'phenomenal' Rashee Rice has made Chiefs offense better as a whole

The emergence of Rashee Rice has gone a long way in quelling much of the concern around the Chiefs’ core of pass-catchers.

Wideout was a problem area for the Chiefs early this season, but as Rice gained steam he became an increasingly involved part of the offense. The 23-year-old SMU product saw his targets rise following the bye week, and has since established himself as a sure-handed option for Patrick Mahomes beyond just Travis Kelce.

Rice has really taken off this postseason. He’s caught 20 of his 25 targets in the playoffs for 223 yards and a touchdown, and has yet to drop a pass.

Chiefs radio analyst and former wideout Danan Hughes raved about the impact the rookie has had on Cody & Gold.

“I love how he’s played since the bye week,” Hughes said. “Since we came from Germany, I feel like this entire offense, they had an opportunity to reevaluate the talent pool that we had and also our approach. And that’s what the bye week brings. … (The Chiefs) recognized that Rashee Rice is our No. 1, and he just needed more opportunities to get into the flow and the speed of the game in the NFL.

"Maybe (he) tried to do too much early in the season, was a little lax with the ball, and he’s learned from it. To his credit as a rookie, I don’t know how many teams could have a run like we’ve had, to get to the promised land like we have, and have leaned on a rookie's production to be the leader. He’s done a phenomenal job.”

It’s not just what Rice can do when he has the ball, either. Hughes pointed out how the increased emphasis on Rice has forced teams to pay close attention to him, which has unlocked opportunities other players – Marquez Valdes-Scantling being a prime example.

“He’s not just a rookie that came on in the playoffs and was like an unsung hero. He was the target," Hughes said. "If you think about some of the plays that opened up for other guys – how about the MVS catch to end the game last week? How many defenders were focused on Rashee Rice on the shallow cross, which opened the door for MVS.

“So not only is he making the plays, but he’s also affecting the defense’s preparation and their approach, which is opening the door up for other guys. So, the production is great, the ball security is outstanding, but the impact that’s opening the door for other guys is phenomenal. … That’s what he brings to the table, that’s what makes him special.”