Tennessee Titans linebacker Monty Rice is not subscribing to the idea that he struggles in pass coverage after his first two seasons in the NFL. Like, he really, really isn’t subscribing to the idea.
Following an abbreviated rookie campaign due to injury in 2021, Rice was thrust into a starting role late in the season in 2022 after David Long and Zach Cunningham went down to injury.
The 2021 third-round played well for the most part, but what we saw out of him was just about what we expected when he was drafted: he’s strong against the run and as a tackler, but needs to improve in pass coverage.
After one of the best Titans film guys out there, James Foster (aka No Flags Film) made a relatively harmless comment about Rice’s and Cunningham’s ability in coverage, the Georgia product wasn’t having it.
You can check out the tweet itself here, but we provided a screenshot just in case it gets deleted (and because we had to edit out the naughty words).
While Rice might’ve been a little harsh in his response, I can’t say I hate the fire and confidence he’s showing here. Not to mention, he’s doing so at such an early hour. I can barely function at that hour, let alone fire off a tweet.
Confirmed not an 8-4 guy
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) January 20, 2023
Truth be told, the numbers bear out Rice’s need to improve in coverage.
On 29 targets thrown his way last season, he surrendered 23 receptions (79.3 percent completion rate)) for 198 yards and one touchdown en route to a passer rating allowed of 106.6.
While Rice’s coverage numbers were less than ideal, he did excel in run defense, posting a PFF grade of 73.8 in that area.
The Titans should seamlessly transition from Cunningham to Rice if that’s the route they want to take in 2023, as both are similar players.
However, we also have to remember Rice, 24, is young and only has 23 games under his belt, so there’s still hope he can be even better than that, including when it comes to his ability to cover.
