Chiefs' trick play involved improvisation from two key playmakers

The play call wasn't exactly how the Chiefs drew it up thanks to the playmakers who were responsible for executing it. That decision accomplished two specific goals, but it all started with what was at stake for rookie WR Rashee Rice. 

"It was one of our little trick plays," Rice told reporters after the game. "Actually, me and Jet (Jerick McKinnon) kind of talked before the huddle because he knew what I needed to get — a receiving touchdown."

Entering the game, Rice needed a receiving touchdown to set the franchise record for receiving touchdowns by a rookie (7). Initially, the play wasn't supposed to include a forward pass from McKinnon to Rice. They were simply supposed to hand the ball off. 

"We really would have handed that ball off, but Jet got his passing (touchdown) and I got my receiving touchdown," Rice continued. "I told Jet that he's part of history two years in a row now."

There was a slight bobble on the pitch, but thankfully things went off without a hitch.

McKinnon sought to improvise here not just to help his teammate achieve a piece of franchise history, but also to claim his own. In his eight-year NFL career, the former college quarterback at Georgia Southern had never thrown a touchdown pass. He joined some exclusive company on the year, becoming just the third player in the league to rush, run, and pass for a touchdown during the 2023 NFL season. He also joined Tyler Thigpen and Curtis McClinton as the only Chiefs to ever throw for a touchdown and catch a receiving touchdown in a single game.

"Every time we practiced it, we handed the ball off," Rice proclaimed. "But (Jerick McKinnon) said in the game, 'I'm pitching it.' (I said) 'Alright, bet!' I looked at him before he called the play and I said, 'pitch.' 

These types of plays have become familiar over the years, but they're few and far between for this 2023 team amidst their offensive struggles. Getting back to the "fun" parts of football like designing these unique plays has been an anchor point for this offense during those struggles. 

Having an opportunity to be a part of a play like that was a special moment for the rookie, and something that he won't soon forget. 

"I mean, it's great," Rice concluded. "I'm pretty sure that play is going to be taken by a lot of other teams. I'm pretty sure they're going to play it a lot (this week). It's pretty cool to execute a trick play like that."