Vikings: Opportunity knocks, and Rice is there to answer

The move appeared to be born out of the desire to put an exclamation point on a big play more than an act of necessity.

Sidney Rice caught Brooks Bollinger's pass in stride down the right side around the Chargers 12-yard line Sunday, raced to the 4 and then, with a step on San Diego cornerback Drayton Florence, launched himself toward the endzone pylon for a touchdown in the Vikings' 35-17 victory.

But Rice said his act was much more balancing than Superman.

"I felt myself drifting out of bounds, and felt if I took one more step I'd go out," he said. "So I got as close as I could and just took off. I had no idea where I was diving from but I was really close to stepping out of bounds. I would have never lived that one down."

Rice didn't have to worry. The rookie ended up the Vikings' leading receiver with four catches for 66 yards, and his career-longest 40-yard TD put the Vikings up 21-14 in the third quarter, a lead they would not relinquish.

His contributions were all the more crucial because Troy Williamson was gone from the team for personal reasons and Bobby Wade was limited because of a hyperextended knee.

"It was really good for me as far as experience," said Rice, who started for the second time this season. "It was the most snaps I've had since I've been here. Coach always talks about taking advantage of your opportunities and that's what I try to do when I get the chance."

Wade has seen Rice do this for several months now and admits he's impressed -- especially because Rice didn't even turn 21 until September, after playing only two seasons at South Carolina.

"Sidney is progressing, I think, better than any rookie [receiver] I've seen," said Wade, who is in his fifth NFL season. "Especially for a young rookie. He's able to make plays, he's able to take the learning in the classroom and apply it on the field. He's a guy who works hard in practice, which is really, really tough to find.

"He's just really trying to get it every time he has an opportunity. I'm excited to see him progress each week and obviously the more opportunities he will get, I think the more he will shine."

Rice might not be blessed with great speed, but as he displayed on his touchdown reception, he has the ability to separate from defenders and possesses good hands. At 6-4 and 200 pounds, Rice is a big target and could be a real weapon on jump balls in the end zone if given the opportunity.

These qualities are among the reasons the Vikings surprised many by selecting Rice one pick before Southern California's Dwayne Jarrett in the second round of the April draft. So far, it looks like an astute decision.

Jarrett, who had been expected to go in the first round, has appeared in only one game with the Carolina Panthers. He has one catch for 6 yards. Meanwhile, Rice is second on the Vikings with 18 receptions for 212 yards in eight games. His best statistical output came in the Vikings' 23-16 loss to the Packers on Sept. 30, when he caught six passes for 75 yards and a touchdown.

Couple that with the contributions he made against the Chargers, and it would not be surprising if Rice continues to play a significant role Sunday at Green Bay, even though Williamson will be back and Wade will have had another week to recover.

Rice would welcome the increased playing time, but he also makes sure to credit Williamson, Wade and the other veteran receivers for assisting him.

"It's really a big help and a big relief," Rice said. "I hear all kinds of stories about people on other teams saying things to people at their position. Not wanting them to get that rep because they want that play in the game. It's different here. The veterans do whatever they can to help us out and get an extra edge. We have good chemistry."

Judd Zulgad • jzulgad@startribune.com