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Rice move was necessary to keep both sides happy
By Tony "the Tiger" Hayes October 25, 2004 |
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When former San Francisco 49er Freddie Solomon left, I was disappointed to see the wide receiver leave. Now seeing Jerry Rice leave is more disappointing. In his press conference at Seahawks Stadium standing next to new coach Mike Holmgren, it seems reminiscent for the two to be reunited, but strange in Rice's introduction to the Seattle press corps. Rice is like a lot of ex-49ers stars that went to the Raiders. Rice had some mid-range success there, but it's a good move for Rice to go to Seattle. Rice still wants to play and Holmgren wants to have him play for them. No. 80 should get some chances to make some catches and it should make him happy. The Seahawks are looking for a little extra dynamic at the receiver position and Rice should be able to fill the bill. He still has some pretty good wheels and is in great shape. Anyone who's watched him knows he's got a great winning temperament everywhere he goes. Rice is what Seattle is looking for. The Seahawks could do some stuff with him and Holmgren knows Rice well, so it's sort of a 49ers Northwest. Raiders decision: According to the Raiders, Rice didn't have it anymore and they declined to throw him the ball. Rice had the long streak of receptions - 274 straight games - and the Raiders decided to just stop throwing him the ball. It's similar to what they did with Tampa Bay receiver Tim Brown last year. Brown, of course, was sent there just before the exhibition season started. The Raiders are rebuilding and want to see what their young guys have, so I don't totally blame the Raiders. Rice, if he's going to be playing, he should be playing for a championship club and the Raiders are not that at this time. With the Seahawks they'll need some receiving help, but Rice could end up with a sixth Super Bowl trip. When it's all said and done, people aren't going to think of Rice as a Seahawk or a Raider, but they will as a 49er, where he had most of his success and he's somebody 49ers fans hold near and dear to their hearts. Niners fans will get a chance to see him play later this year when the Seahawks are scheduled to play San Francisco. It'll be good for the 49ers to see him play one more time against the former franchise up close and personal. Rice is a special guy in 49ers history and the greatest receiver in NFL history. So many great moments and he keeps ticking along. The 49ers are out of it this year and they really don't have too much of a chance at the Super Bowl so they'll be happy for Rice to do well in Seattle. As long as he doesn't score any touchdowns against the 49ers, everyone should be happy with the situation. Tony the Tiger helps out with his talk show expertise on Sportstalk. To catch the Tiger, go to the main web site or tune in KVVN 1430 San Jose or KLIB 1110AM Radio. |
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