The Kansas City Chiefs offense broke out in Week 12 and one key factor was the budding connection between quarterback Patrick Mahomes II and rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice — who registered eight catches for 107 yards and a touchdown.

“I think [Rice] has a chance to be a great receiver in this league and we’re going to continue to push him to be that receiver every single week,” Mahomes told reporters on their relationship after the win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

A major reason for Mahomes’ confidence in the rookie is his mentality. “He’s a guy who wants it,” the Chiefs QB explained. “I think that’s the biggest thing.”

When asked how Mahomes can tell he’s motivated, the answer was simple. “He’ll tell you,” the signal-caller said with a laugh. “For young dudes to do that, I mean, that speaks to the type of player that he is.”

Rice echoed that during his own postgame Q&A with the KC media. “I just want him to understand he can trust me when it comes to those [important moments and] throw those balls,” the rookie explained.

Mahomes also made it clear “that’s the type of guys you want” as a QB.

“He wants to go out there and he wants to win,” the superstar detailed. “And when I say that — he doesn’t do it in a bad way. He just will say: ‘Hey, I’m gonna be there. I’m gonna do what I need to do to get myself open. And if you give me a chance… then I’m going to make something happen with it.’”