Quote:
Originally Posted by DJ's left nut
Oh there's some truth to that as well.
But the old saw used to be "look at how many sacks he takes, he holds onto the ball way too long!!!"
I don't see that at all. I see a guy that's constantly looking to get rid of the ball or get the hell out of the pocket. He's still always going to be someone that would prefer throw the short passes to the long ones, but he's not naturally gunshy; he used to be pretty confident back there in holding onto the football. When he's confident in the pocket, I think he'll make the easy passes downfield. Right now, he's scared back there so he's not even looking at the easy ones downfield; he bails way too soon on the routes and next thing you know he's on the run or has foolishly rolled out of the pocket to cut down half his field.
He used to be risk-averse; if the deep throw wasn't wide open, he's not going to make it. What I'm seeing now is someone that doesn't even get to risk averse, he's just playing scared. That was absolutely not a knock against him in SF.
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Re: Your bolded statements...
These speak to my concerns with Alex Smith from Day 1. And I don't share your belief that a cleaner pocket will allow him the impetus to make those throws and make those plays.... because he's NEVER had that.
Alex Smith has a long track record as an NFL QB of not being willing to throw into "NFL OPEN" windows. Of checking down too early/easily, when there are bigger plays to be made downfield. All-22 film breakdown backs that up.
I don't think fixing the Chiefs OL is going to do anything to reverse those tendencies. It's just who he is.
Andy Reid seems to think he can reverse them. I hope he can, but that's all it is... hope.