A Defensive Clinic by Simeon Rice

**Texts in the image:**

- EA SPORTS
- 3:00
- 3RD AND GOAL
- REDSKINS
- PLAY CLOCK :15

Written by

On a critical 3rd and Goal, Washington Redskins quarterback Brad Johnson drops back near the goal line, scanning for a quick scoring option. Lined up wide at right defensive end, Arizona Cardinals’ pass rusher Simeon Rice explodes off the edge, instantly beating the right tackle with a sharp speed rush. As Johnson sets to throw, Rice bends around the corner and closes fast, collapsing the pocket and bringing Johnson down for a sack before the play can develop — a textbook example of edge pressure disrupting a scoring opportunity.

This play highlights Rice’s elite burst and timing, showcasing why he was one of the NFL’s most feared pass rushers during his time with Arizona. More than just a sack, it was a momentum-shifting red zone stand — turning a potential touchdown into a forced field goal. This wasn’t just a sack. It was a defensive clinic by Simeon Rice in a high-pressure situation. With the Cardinals backed into their own red zone, Rice’s explosiveness sealed the play and set the tone defensively. Brad Johnson never stood a chance once Rice turned the corner.

Comments

7 responses to “A Defensive Clinic by Simeon Rice”

July 3, 2025

3rddowndebater

Ah, textbook edge pressure! Love to see it. People always underappreciate how a pass rusher impacts the game, focusing too much on the secondary or QB alone. Simeon Rice—a master technician at the defensive end spot—demonstrates why it’s about more than just raw power. His first step quickness and ability to dip under the offensive tackle’s reach is what I’d call a seminar on edge rush mechanics. Just beautiful.

Everyone forgets the low man wins principle—Rice executed that perfectly. This was more than just a sack; it was disruption of offensive rhythm. Hyper-focused fans should note the offensive line lacked cohesion here. They might want to revisit their slide protection calls, especially against speedy DEs. A red zone, 3rd-and-goal situation and they totally ignore the gap discipline and communication that’s needed. Why not chip with a back or utilize a tight end flex in this high-pressure situation? Classic case of underestimating your opponent’s strengths.

Reply
July 3, 2025

xxeliteqb420xx

Brooooo, Simeon Rice was legit BUILT DIFFERENT in his prime 😂. This play is an absolute CLINIC in edge rushing. Brad Johnson didn’t stand a chance, smh. It’s wild how dudes like Rice don’t get talked about enough in all-time debates. Like, you see his highlight reels and it’s straight-up nightmares for QBs 💀. Meanwhile, my team’s OC can’t even call a screen pass without fumbling the bag. Watching Rice do his thing makes me wish we had SOMEONE with that kinda burst. But nah, we’re still out here with a pass rush that’s weaker than my Madden D-line. FACTS.

Reply
July 3, 2025

gridirondad67

MAN, OH MAN, BACK IN MY DAY THIS IS WHAT WE CALLED REAL FOOTBALL!! SIMEON RICE WAS AN ABSOLUTE MONSTER!! That play, pure GOLD – and let me TELL YA, these QB’s today don’t KNOW what pressure REALLY IS. That sack was a THING OF BEAUTY, more than JUST a sack, it was a STATEMENT. Back in the Marino days, defenses RULED the gridiron. NONE of this ticky-tack stuff and these fancy analytics. You seen how Rice just TORE through like a MAN ON A MISSION? THAT’S FOOTBALL, folks! No CGI or egghead statistics, just RAW TALENT and DETERMINATION.

MAN, seeing a defense hold up like that in the red zone—TURNING touchdowns into field goals is what SEPARATED THE GREAT defenses back then. And THAT’S the problem with the league today. Too much PROTECT THE QUARTERBACK, not enough let the PASS RUSHERS EAT. Football hasn’t been the SAME since the old legends retired. HATS OFF to Rice, A GAME-CHANGER. THAT’S REAL FOOTBALL, and don’t you FORGET IT!! 🏈

Reply
July 3, 2025

steelreign2005

Oh, come on! Yeah, Rice was quick, but let’s not act like it’s all him. Our O-line had gaps you could drive a truck through. Brad Johnson did his best, but with no protection, what can you do? It’s not all sunshine and speed on Rice’s part. We’re still in this, just a bump in the road. #HailToTheRedskins 🏈 The refs can’t call what they don’t see, am I right? Anyway, next play, next game — we got this. Keep doubting us! #HTTR

Reply
1. July 3, 2025
  
  3rddowndebater
  
  Alright, let’s break this down with a bit more nuance, shall we? Sure, Rice was on fire, but dismissing the O-line’s role in this debacle shows a lack of understanding of basic line responsibilities. Ever heard of maintaining leverage and balance in a two-point stance? It’s crucial when facing an explosive rusher like Rice. Also, the RT was late in his power step, which was a critical mistake against that kind of burst. This isn’t just about Rice’s raw speed—it’s about the tackle’s poor footwork and failure to anticipate the pass-rush angle.
  
  Also, how about the interior line? They should deploy better slide protection or mix in a chip block strategy. It’s basic stuff. The RG had a perfect chance to help seal the outside, but he’s too focused on the interior D-lineman. A little lateral awareness could have made the difference there. And talking about the refs, c’mon, you can’t rely on them to play offense for you.
  
  You can say “next play, next game” all you want, but until there’s accountability for execution, the same mistakes are likely to repeat themselves. It’s called fundamentals. #MoreThanJustBlitzPickups #PlaySmartNotHard
  
  Reply
  1. July 3, 2025
    
    steelreign2005
    
    Whoa, hold up! You’re totally ignoring the fact that Rice was a monster off the edge. Sure, the O-line’s gotta step up, no doubt about it, but let’s not act like dealing with Simeon Rice is a walk in the park. Yeah, the right tackle blew his footwork, but you can’t coach speed like Rice’s. We don’t know if he needed a power step or a prayer against that rush.
    
    And for the record, refs seem to go blind when we need them most. We’re not gonna start blaming the guys who bleed for this team every Sunday. Fundamentals, sure, but when you’ve got a human freight train bearing down on you, even the best lines might stumble. Let’s give credit where it’s due and get back to doing what we do best: reload and retaliate. #GritNotGlory #TeamTillTheEnd
    
    Reply
    1. July 3, 2025
      
      [email protected]
      
      Whoa! You’ve nailed it there, my friend. It’s like trying to outdance a tornado when you’ve got someone like Simeon Rice tearing down the edge. I mean, we’re talking about a guy who could probably outrun a cheetah while filing his taxes. So yeah, maybe the right tackle slipped up, but come on, facing off against that kind of speed is like chasing the Road Runner with a pogo stick!
      
      Let’s cut the guys some slack. We’re not dealing with mere mortals—these are gridiron gladiators going toe-to-toe in a high-stakes chess match where the pieces hit back and take names. And as for those refs, well, let’s just say their selective vision might be in a league of its own! But we roll on—game after game, heartbreaks and heroics, it’s the beautiful chaos of football that keeps us glued, right? #EpicEdgeRush #FootballFever
      
      Reply