[ptlyon]

Originally Posted by saphojunkie

Well, I think it's teaching an old dog new tricks, but after a few snarky comments about Alex Smith, I'm moving forward feeling pretty good about the direction of the franchise.

This tells me three vital things about this new regime:

1. They don't think Alex Smith of the past two years is good enough. He has to improve.
2. If he doesn't improve, then he will be replaced. You don't come out in public saying "This guy has to get better at X," and when he doesn't say, "Just kidding. He's great."
3. Andy Reid hasn't lost the attack nature that lead him to be the first coach calling 40 pass plays a game. Remember in 2005 when we would see the Philly box scores and say "Dude! You can't win throwing it that much"? Well, turns out he was right and hasn't lost the desire to put pressure on the defense.

These three inferences lead me to believe that these QBs have a short leash and the Chiefs are going to be finding a new solution in the next offseason.

Alex Smith SHOULD play his part beautifully - veteran leader who will help shepherd this team out of the dregs, allowing young talent to develop while having a fighting chance at the playoffs. Then, after getting injured or proving he just doesn't have the horses for a championship, he will be replaced by a high draft pick.

My best guess, my absolute best guess (or maybe just deepest hope), is that KC will move on a QB in the first next year and let him sit for a year behind Smith. And that will be just fine with me. I don't care if he won't contribute in time for Tamba Hali to still be in his prime. I'll take Hali and Charles retiring TODAY if it means getting our franchise QB.

"Blow it out yer ass Howard"