Sidney Rice Among NFL’s Best Receivers
November 15, 2009 by David Kindervater
Filed under Minnesota Vikings
If you had told me a year ago that Minnesota Vikings receiver Sidney Rice would be one of the National Football League’s best at his position this season, I would’ve raised my eyebrows in disbelief. Sure, he appeared to have all the physical tools necessary for success. And after two seasons—when he wasn’t injured—he showed flashes of what might someday be. But predicting he would be anything better than a third option for any NFL team was probably being rather generous.
Sidney Rice, Minnesota Vikings / Image: Zuma Press
Nevertheless, after nine games, there can really be no question that Sidney ranks among the NFL’s best receivers. With today’s seven-catch, 201-yard outburst in a 27-10 win over the Detroit Lions, he’s now 4th in the NFL in receiving yards. He catches practically everything thrown in his direction (and when he doesn’t, he does push-ups on the sideline). He’s also making explosive plays, averaging 18 yards/catch.
Sidney spent part of his offseason working with Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald and former Minnesota Vikings receiver Cris Carter (among others), thus earning himself a starting role opposite Bernard Berrian in training camp. And with the eventual addition of quarterback Brett Favre, Sidney’s offseason work has had much more of a chance to shine.
Source: Vikings.com, NFL.com
