15-25 Yard Pass to Sydney Rice = Money

[RockHawk]

Admittedly I've been watching WAY to many 2012 Seahawks games (via NFL Rewind) and a couple things have really stood out to me, but most notably are the number of plays Russell Connected with Sydney Rice in that Intermediate 15 yards to 30 yards portion of the field. There were a couple times where the pass went to Baldwin or Tate, but for the vast majority these were going to Rice.

Someone like Kearly would need to get the facts for this, but it's a weapon I've never remembered having in our arsenal. It obviously requires several factors to come together, including time for the play to develop (more than 50% of these plays I noted Russell was scrambling to the right), a QB that can see the play develop (yea, Wilson is pretty good FYI), and the arm strength to get a football that far down the field that quickly.

It's a play I loved seeing, and Rice should get credit for getting open on these as well. Looking forward to seeing it again in the next 50 days or so!

 

[nsport]

The last time I remember it being relevant was in the Holmgren WCO with the slot running the skinny post against a nickel or linebacker (DJ Hackett comes to mind). I recall Darrell Jackson running some deep-in's and post patterns from the outside position. I love that the "#1" is in that range now and relevant again.

 

[The Radish]

If you've been watching lots of videos of 2012 Hawks you know that it seemed when they needed a big play Rice was there and Wilson got the ball to him.

I mentioned a month or so ago after watching replays that everyone needed to shut up about how much money we are paying Rice because he earning it!

:les:

 

[nanomoz]

Well said, boss man. I was completely perplexed by how many people wondered if Rice would get cut after the Harvin acquisition.

The response in my head was, "did you even watch the games! Rice is the best sideline receiver this team has had since Largent."

 

[MontanaHawk05]

Some of those passes have been six inches away from being out of bounds. RW and SR have remarkable chemistry on those shots. They're some of the hardest shots to defend.

 

[sc85sis]

Rice does an incredible job at keeping his feet in bounds on those sideline passes.

 

[Laloosh]

I found myself thinking how much I'd missed with regard to SR's big play making in 2012 until I had watched some of the games again. NFL Game Rewind is money as well by the way.

My only complaint is that it doesn't render well in my LG TV's web browser.

 

[Tech Worlds]

Wilson's ability to hit these intermediate passes as well as the chunk plays is a refreshing change from the dink and dunk passing game we have been subjected to the last 10 years

 

[SalishHawkFan]

I remember the early games before NE where it was so frustrating how Wilson kept missing a wide open Rice and trying to get it to someone else. Prior to the NE game, Rice was getting 10-13 ypc. The NE game he got 27 ypc and from then on Wilson had figured out how to utilize Rice.

 

[DavidSeven]

I think the 15-30 yard range is where having a taller receiver really helps. That's why I'm still skeptical when people say we should go with three 5'11 receivers after this season. Plus, Rice has to be among the very best toe-tappers in the NFL. Some of the catches he made near the sidelines last season were unreal.

 

[3Girls'HawkDad]

As usual, RockHawk, your insights and observations are both spot on an insightful. You, sir, are not only a handsome man, but a powerful man.

 

[RockHawk]

As usual, RockHawk, your insights and observations are both spot on an insightful. You, sir, are not only a handsome man, but a powerful man.

Rank updated appropriately.

 

[FlyingGreg]

Now spell it right (it's Sidney).

:thirishdrinkers:

:snack:

Sorry, had to kill Hawk Strap's mojo!

 

[HawkFan72]

There were times last year when I thought a 10+ yard pass to Sidney Rice was almost impossible to cover. It seemed like Wilson could get it to him at will.

 

[FlyingGreg]

His ability to get separation, get the feet down and secure the ball for impact is unreal.

 

[Snohomie]

I'm glad you brought this up. Rice (and Tate to a degree) don't get enough love in Seattle because their numbers/plays are limited by lack of pass calls.

Rice isn't that quick for shorter routes (although I seem to recall him doing well on slants), but he's one of those "always open even if covered" types because of his size/length/hands. On longer routes, where he can lengthen his stride a bit, he can pull away from corners. He's a great fit for a QB with a great arm and an offense that sucks the defense in towards the LOS on a regular basis.

IIRC, he added some weight before last year in a (successful) bid to stay healthy. Hopefully that continues *knock on wood*.