As Patrick Mahomes settles in, a little discomfort is serving Chiefs’ Alex Smith well
 

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl...168429397.html

As Patrick Mahomes settles in, a little discomfort is serving Chiefs’ Alex Smith well

BY BLAIR KERKHOFF

During his first four years with the Chiefs, quarterback Alex Smith was the unequivocal starter. That doesn’t change as he begins his fifth season, as Andy Reid emphasized Monday.

“It’s Alex’s job,” Reid said. “That’s what it is. There’s no gray area with that.”

But the circumstances are different.

Previous backup quarterbacks in the Reid era, guys like Chase Daniel and Nick Foles, weren’t being groomed as Smith’s successor. Patrick Mahomes is, and that changes the dynamic of the position.


Mahomes, who was shifted from third to second team after the Chiefs first preseason game, is on an upward track. There is more of a push at the position, and assistant head coach Brad Childress finds nothing wrong with that.

“Alex Smith has done a great job,” Childress said during training camp in St. Joseph last week. “If you look through the past four years, it’s been fairly comfortable for him. It’s not bad getting uncomfortable. You draft a guy, you look for somebody who can push, and I think it helps everybody up their game.

“Competition only makes you better. If we can create it, we’re trying to. Healthy competition is a good thing, and I think we have great, healthy competition in that quarterback room.”

Reid thinks that’s one reason why Smith raised his game during training camp.

“There’s more competition than before by the nature of it, and as a result I think he’s come out with his best camp,” Reid said.

Smith’s performance in the Chiefs’ first two preseason games is another indication. He played one series in the opener against the 49ers and engineered a touchdown drive. His two possessions last weekend at Cincinnati produced a field goal and touchdown pass. In those two games, Smith is 12 for 15 with a passer rating of 125.3.

Mahomes has generated his own buzz with his performance — he’s 17 of 23 for 137 yards through two games, with three touchdowns and no interceptions — especially after leading the first-team offense to a touchdown at Cincinnati.

Smith has been complimentary of Mahomes, suggesting that the Texas Tech rookie was more advanced in certain areas than he was a rookie.

Smith, 33, is beginning his 13th NFL season and coming off a year when he set a career best for yards (3,502) and his 91.2 passer rating was above his career mark. He’s under contract through 2018.

Smith has always been Reid’s quarterback in Kansas City. But plans had to be made for the future.

“Unfortunately, age comes into this thing,” Reid said. “You get old in this business. At one time (Smith) was the young up-and-comer. That doesn’t mean you’re going to be replaced tomorrow.

“But this is what’s real. You’re not as young as you used to be, so you bring a guy in, and this thing keeps position. It’s life.

“He treats (Mahomes) him well, and we’re not asking him to do this. That’s not his job. We’re asking him to go wins games and be the best he can be. But they talk. There’s an open communication there that’s healthy.”

Smith said he hasn’t approached this season differently than previous ones in Kansas City or San Francisco, where he spent his first eight seasons.

“It’s no different,” Smith said “For me, it’s just kind of being myself. I’m going out there and playing and trying to take advantage of my reps and myself for the season as best I can.”

But Smith isn’t going to withhold help from Mahomes, even if he is the heir apparent.

“Certainly, I’ve been through a lot,” Smith said. “So if there’s something I can help with or see, I am not going to hesitate to vocalize.”

As a Texas Tech sophomore, Mahomes beat out the returning starter for the job. When the Chiefs made him the No. 10 overall draft selection, Mahomes and his camp were thrilled not just because he was going to a winning team, but because he’d be playing for a head coach with a reputation for developing quarterbacks, and the fact that he’d get to work alongside Smith.

Unlike the other first-round quarterbacks selected — Mitchell Trubisky of the Bears, and the Texans’ Deshaun Watson — Mahomes had the advantage of working with and observing a seasoned veteran who has won playoff games and been named to Pro Bowl teams.

What has Mahomes learned from Smith?

“Just how efficient he is,” Mahomes said. “It seems like he always has a plan. ‘If they play this defense, I’m going to go here. If they play that defense I’m going there…’ and how he can get himself out of certain situations. It’s something you learn from him every time you watch it.

“Really, it’s a great relationship. Just having him in front of me, you can’t even explain how much he teaches me on the sidelines. He’s always helping me out. And at the same time, we’re pushing each other to be better every single day.”

Told you all so, Smith pro bowl year. 3 year extension.

:clap:

Fyp

Sorry

Matt Miller @nfldraftscout
There is no chance the Chiefs would trade Alex Smith.

Alex Smiff career rating 85.3
Colin Kaepernick career rating 88.9

Alex Smiff also 30th last year in 3rd down percentage.

These are facts.

Not saying I want Kaepernick, but I was floored when I saw his rating was higher than Alex Smiffs for career.

Maybe that's some of Smith's problem, he always has a plan. Knowing where he's going to go based on the defense. if the play breaks down he freaks.

My first thought when I read that.

This season genius.

I cant read this enough.

Why the **** would you applaud a 3-year extension for Smith, you ****ing idiot?

Not out of the question with a little contract work. Helps that Mahomes is on the rookie contract. Lots of options going forward for the Chiefs. It's really a good position to be in. This organization has been moving in the right direction since Scooter was shit canned. Clark be knocking it out of the park

10 of 14 from the pocket for 88 yards sounds good too

This season , which is what Hogs post was based on. :facepalm:

Edit: thanks MIA, beat me to it.

BECAUSE ALL HE DOES IS WIN GAMES!!!!!!!!!!

:D

It's a nice problem to have. The Chiefs having two capable starters. Not going to complain. I remember when the Chiefs had zero capable starting QBs

Decent backup if he's willing.

Smith, 33, is beginning his 13th NFL season and coming off a year when he set a career best for yards (3,502) and his 91.2 passer rating was above his career mark. He’s under contract through 2018

And don't forget those 15 TD's.

Pretty sure if Mahomes was forced to start this year, he would break this paltry numbers by mid season.

Sorry dude, but just no. I don't care how nice his disposition or personality is. He'd be a giant distraction in the formative years of Mahomes' career.

And even in the unlikely instance that he's willing to take a paycut and play backup, the dude would be way too expensive both in terms of $$$ and the fact that we wouldn't receive any draft pick compensation through trade.

When Mahomes eventually takes over, Smith has to get the **** out. No exceptions. Zero.

What're Kap's numbers this pre-season?

Poorly framed joke.

Because he's a ****ing idiot?

At least Blair knows he was the 10th pick and not the 12th.

Alex Smith is probably the best mentor Mahomes could have gotten. Smith is generous with his knowlege and philosophically a very different player. It will help Mahome become a well-rounded player, while Mahomes will help Smith relax and become more aggressive. While Smith is not an elite quarterback, the best player is not always the best teacher. Alex Smith and Patrick Mahomes seem to be a great combination.

...and Reid.

...nice take.

This. I was watching on ESPN, Favre was a complete dick to Rogers when they were together. He had no interest in teaching him whatsoever.

If Mahomes broke those number mid season your looking at 8 games played. So he would have to throw 438 yards a game. He would also be on pace to set a NFL record in passing yards

I'm just glad to see Tribal Warfare post something that isn't a Game of Thrones spoiler.

Alex would be an acceptable backup but he'd have to take a pay cut.

I don't plan to go to a Chiefs game unless I know for sure Patrick Mahomes II is starting. Well I'm wanting go to a Chiefs game anyways but hoping Mahomes II will start betime we play San Diego er I mean Lost Angeles Chargers at Arrowhead late game on Saturday night in December.

Never been to a night game and I want to see Kansas City Christmas lights and make it a Christmas shopping weekend with my kids.


Even though Alex Smith is having a good TC & preseason campaign it's hard to imagine he keeps it up all season & he will be reverting to his old self. Hell he had to settle for a field goal because he didn't have the gumptious nature that Patrick has so it wont take much for him to continue his lackluster ways. He wont' keep his job not making this offense work and leaving it all up to the defense. I don't care what Andy Reid says in August, November and December are the months Chiefs will be wanting test Mahomes out if Alex Smith starts to falter.


I can also see Andy Reid giving the fans on Monday Night Football October 30th against the Broncos a glimps or a cock tease & have a few special plays designed for Patrick Mahomes II to instill. I don't put nothing past Andy Reid.

You need to get this out of your head. Barring an Alex Smith injury, Mahomes isn't starting any games this season.

Then the only reason to go to a Chief game is a fair well to see Dustin Colquitt punting and setting up hidden touchdowns. Next year Dustin wont' be getting on the field so much as Patrick Mahomes II will keep drives alive.


I only want to go to a Chiefs game for my kids and it's a fun atmosphere especially winning ball games but not to go see Alex Smith . He makes me not want to go.

I'm going hold out possibilities Patrick gets some playing time this year just so I can have something to look forward too.

Thanks for posting TW. That's a good read.

I'm pretty sure that number is negative. Somehow. We had negative capable QBs on the roster.

Just...let them have their idiotic fantasy.

It's going to make the crushing blow all the sweeter.

“Unfortunately, age comes into this thing,” Reid said. “You get old in this business. At one time (Smith) was the young up-and-comer. That doesn’t mean you’re going to be replaced tomorrow.

“But this is what’s real. You’re not as young as you used to be, so you bring a guy in, and this thing keeps position. It’s life.



This maybe Alex Smith season at least to start the season, I mean it is what have you done for me lately in any job. So if he doesn't go out and preform to expectations then he is replaceable and that is why they went out and traded up 17 spots for Patrick Mahomes II. If he is ahead of schedule and Alex continues to be a wiener it really doesn't matter what Coach says at the start of the season things change. Now if Alex Smith continues what he is doing in preseason then for rights he will undoubtedly keep his job. I think he will come out playing his best ball but how long will he keep it up is the question before he goes back into a shell after a sack or int?

I have said in the recent past that Alex11 has been given a set of objectives to master in able to play better football which I am sure means making the long passes ands threading the needle. Either alex11 will put 110% in and make the plays he used to scrub or we have someone who can. from everything we have heard he is doing great work. If he doesn't up his game then he will be let go by the Chiefs as soon playoffs begin and probably not have much value (certainly not $17 to $20M a year post Chiefs) to another team for his last few years.

He now is in a special place where he has been before (well not exactly). He hopefully takes control and gives 110% to the challenges the coaches have given him. If not it's 1 year contracts and new teams every year. He has a lot of reasons to play hard and find ways to win this year so he can either stay with the Chiefs (NADA) or get a nice multi year contract with some guaranteed income.

The Chiefs could offer him a contract for 2018 depending on if he wins the AFC or better yet the SB but most likely he will be traded for salary cap reductions and draft picks. He knows it and I think you will see the best effort from Alex11 we have ever seen this season. He is highly motivated as a great season is his best bet for gainful employment after this season in the NFL.

So which is it? is going to the game for... you? .. or your kids? Or let me guess. They are plenty old enough to know that Alex sucks too? ROFL

Hopefully we'll see Mahomes after the bye.

You just answered your own question! ROFL

My son is 16 and yes he thinks Alex Smith sucks.

Smart kid! Has he started college yet?

Not yet, but he is a smart kid and thanks :thumb:

He is smart he told me two weeks before the draft he liked Patrick Mahomes II the best because he watched the combine and all that stuff. He knows his players pretty well. He pointed out some of the players at TC that I didn't know. So yeah I think he has some football smarts.

Krap has 16 tds in his last 11 starts throwing to trash cans.

You have to combine Alex starts from last year and this preseason to get 16 tds.

Also has higher career passer rating, more playoff wins, and has been as deep as Smith has ever been in playoffs twice.

Krap is no longer playing, so that gives perspective on what a POS Alex is.

What is wrong with that sentence? I don't see how what he said implies it's about him wanting to go to the game. It's about him wanting to bring his sons to the game.

I only want what is best for my kids.

I only want to go so I can feed the hungry.

Normally I would give you my condolences that he is a Chiefs fan. But after we went up and got Mahomes my attitude has finally changed. Maybe this organization has finally figured out how to actually go out and contend for championships.

Why compound making more something out of the nothing? Read it again.

To me, it seemed like a bit of a harmless contradiction.. so I asked. No venom. No malice. Just a question.. because it seemed as if he was far more focused on what he wanted vs what his kids (age undetermined at that time) perhaps wanted.

No big deal. Sorry to have set off your mod-like radar about nothing important.

To clarify a son and two daughters to enjoy family time. It's a treat to go to Kansas City for the weekend do some Christmas shopping and partake in a Chiefs game because it's fun. I agree NJChiefsFan I really didn't think I needed to explain what I meant.

I don't like Alex Smith didn't go last year because of Alex Smith but I want to go this year for a chance that Patrick Mahomes II may end up playing that game worth a shot & enjoy time with my kids if he plays or not, but if it weren't for my kids I wouldn't go at all this year.

My girls aren't into football but they will go because they had fun last time I took them although half the stadium was filled with Steeler fans and we barely pulled off the victory. It sure helped that Ben Rothlesburger didn't play that day and then we went on a 10 game win streak. Kids 23,20 & 16 still think it was our going to that game that started our win streak.

ROFL

KC Tattoo,
I gotta say that I get tired of seeing all the constant Alex Smith bitching. However, I completely understand. IMO, Smith is a decent QB. He's not Cassel like some would suggest. But he sure as Hell isn't ever getting this team to the next level.

I was at the playoff game last year against the Steelers and I was so pissed off after that. I vowed to never go to another Chiefs game until they addressed the glaring deficiency at the QB position. To my delight, they did that in the draft. I realize that Smith will probably play all of this season. But knowing that the future is bright and that the Chiefs are actually trying is enough to bring me back. ;)

It seemed like you were making something out of nothing. No malice here either. Just curious what you were going for.

Look at me just assuming it was boys and not girls.

which is why in my post, you can clearly see my typed words.. emphasis on "more" something out of nothing.

Anyway, I hope I answered your curiosity.. as he did mine.

It's all good I didn't intend to bring up two are girls because I know how horndogish the pervs are here but I'm not worried about them they can handle themselves quite well rochambeau


:D


The funny part when I took them couple years ago I told them to be sure to yell CHIEFS at HOME OF THE... They didn't believe me but now they want to do it and yell CHIEFS

I get tired of bitching about Alex lol but it stems from all the retread quarterbacks we've had never mind he is like the 6th or 7th 9er retread quarterback we've had in 30 years so ya it's old. If he does good then great more power to him doesn't mean I'm going trust him anymore.

Right now I'm just too excited for our young prospect that I'm thankful for so I can justify going to a Chiefs game on the notion he may play and very likely he wont' but like I said worth a shot to see history in the making.

Bingo. A number 1 post, would read again. :clap:

Glad we're back to the days of Tribal Warfare posting articles in the morning for daily digestion.

Who in the **** calls him Alex11?

Well, there is one other person here that has done that in the past.

:hmmm:

Yeah he's the Marty Schottenheimer of quarterbacks!

not my multi, and not true..

I have called him AS11.. never Alex11. I'd have no idea how to create a mult, and would have no reason to.

someone (you?) took my post.. edited in a change from AS11 to Alex11.. for mischievous purposes.

If true, it would say below that the post has been edited.

My post above was done mostly in fun, but I did not edit the quoted post of yours. You did call him Alex11.

I still doubt that. Does not seem like something I ever did or would do. People took great exception to me constantly calling him AS11. Alex11 is not something that jives from me.

... but whatever. Go with it, if ya want.

Look at the post now, after I added a bit of relevant information.

See where it says "Last edited by Dartgod..."?

That's what happens when a mod edits a post. We can't hide that shit.

You said it, accept it.

ROFL

Well for ****'s sake, Sandy...this is a new low-point for you. First, you create a second life/alter-ego...the strong, tough, rugged, manly, take no prisoners, fight-starting, pot-stirring, super warrior, Alexsexual named Sandy Cheeks. And now your super masculine second life has created a second life himself...another tough, rugged Alexsexual dude with an attitude.

Oh Sandy...

sure okay. I don't know what post context mods are capable of hiding/manipulating or not.

I am curious how you managed to find the one post out of my thousands where I used the term Alex11 though. It has to be a wildly rare thing. How did you manage that? or are there more?

There's this thing called a "search" function.

He did it by using the "search" function. Come on, Sandy...do your homework before creating these second second lives!!!

What on Earth would be my motivation for such a thing? If anyone ever types in AS11 or Alex11, it must mean it is me? Like I said... when the drama isn't here... fabricate that shit! :rolleyes:

Settle down woman.

Try using the search function and you will understand, whistle-britches. When you "search" something, the name of the poster along with the posts show up... So if the term, "Alex11" is searched and the only posts that pop up are posts created by the great, masculine, ruthless Alexsexual warrior Sandy Cheeks, then it is cut and dry...you wrote the post...in all of its intended badassness.

And what would be your motivation to do it? Your very masculine and by no means creepy infatuation with Alex Smith as well as spot-on duplicating your opinion of the guy... cooper barrett's posts read exactly like a Sandy post.

cooper barrett is you, Sandy. Sorry, but you have no one fooled. To the man behind the computer who created Sandy Cheeks, PLEASE get Sandy under control...he has lost officially lost his marbles and is starting to form multiple personalities!!!! (At least this multiple personality of yours is almost exactly like himself, but STILL!!!)

Good detective work by Mr. Dartgod!!!

no such thing.

oops

nice job mods

had a feeling he was a mult

Negged.

Pos-repped!

**** someone has a Darton

Alex11? Is that the name of the robot character from a sci-fi movie?

"Zweep zorp. Hello friend-human. I am ALEX-11. I am programmed to set up the punter. Scanning for checkdown options..."

Does this robot suck the penis? Because if its based upon Smith, it really needs to suck the penis.

Poorly, of course.

ALEX-11 is the shittier version of HAL-9000. Less features, outdated hardware, and no killer instinct. It just kind of... exists.

Rico,

Let me tell you that some of the things you say may be true, but you really should not make negative comments about someones mental state, especially when you are dead wrong. Furthermore: don't reference them to me!

Quoting you
"cooper barrett is you, Sandy. Sorry, but you have no one fooled. To the man behind the computer who created Sandy Cheeks, PLEASE get Sandy under control...he has lost officially lost his marbles and is starting to form multiple personalities!!!! (At least this multiple personality of yours is almost exactly like himself, but STILL!!!)"


That's right you're so far off base that a police dog couldn't catch wind of your ass even after pass foul gas. You are in the wrong county, maybe even state.

I am starting to think that you have an axe to grind with Sandy or someone else in your imagination. ( yes, I could reference your quote again here and just redirect it towards you) That is fine but keep my name out of your #*@%@ bantering!!!!:cuss::cuss::cuss::cuss:

Wishing I could post a picture of Jack Nicholson in "One Flew Over The Coo Coo Nest" right now...you could borrow it as your avatar.

Dumbass