Chiefs Teicher:Prodded by Andy Reid, Chiefs QB Alex Smith learning to be more aggressive - Page 83

**Tribal Warfare** · 06-05-2013, 06:26 PM

Prodded by Andy Reid, Chiefs QB Alex Smith learning to be more aggressive
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star
One of the qualities the Chiefs like in new quarterback Alex Smith is his recent history with few turnovers. Smith threw just 10 interceptions in his last 25 games for the San Francisco 49ers, a stat that looks extremely pretty in Kansas City after Chiefs quarterbacks committed 27 turnovers last season.

Smith’s low turnover rate was due at least in part by his reluctance to throw the ball down the field. He was referred to by frustrated 49ers fans as Captain Checkdown for his habit of throwing shorter patterns to receivers for shorter gains.

Smith is in the process of being reprogrammed by Andy Reid, his new coach. Reid doesn’t want to turn Smith into a turnover machine but wants him to be more aggressive, particularly during offseason practice.

“You want to get a feel for the offense now, particularly when you’re new at it (and) if there are close throws, challenge it, see what you can get away with,” Reid said. “If it ends up being an interception, OK, it’s an interception. You learn from it. These are smart guys so they learn from it and once they get into the season, they’re not experimenting with it on game day and they know what they can get away with and know what they can’t.

“It’s a new offense. I would tell any quarterback that comes in new that that’s what you need to do. I’ve told them all that. Go ahead and take your shots and see what you can get away with, within reason. But if it’s a close throw, there are going to be a few of those in the National Football League on game day so you need to know what you can get away with on each route.”

Smith and the other Chiefs quarterbacks were rewarded with several long completions in Wednesday’s practice. Smith had three such plays, including two to Jon Baldwin, while Tyler Bray and Ricky Stanzi had one apiece.

Wednesday’s barrage of big passing plays isn’t necessarily an indication the deep ball is back in the Chiefs’ offense. But since such plays have been scarce for the Chiefs in each of the past two seasons, they’re taking it as an encouraging sign.

“We’re just kind of continuing to press to see what we can do … finding out what we’re capable of,” Smith said. “You’ve got to find that out at some point. This is what the practice field is for.”

Smith was the NFL’s highest-rated passer last season before he was injured, missed a start and then replaced by Colin Kaepernick as San Francisco’s starting quarterback. Smith was completing more than 70 percent of his passes, a high rate, and had just five interceptions.

Still, he had just 30 touchdown passes in his final 25 starts for the 49ers. While that’s a good number as a ratio with his 10 interceptions, it still represents a shortage of big plays.

Smith won’t turn into a mad bomber overnight, if he ever does.

“You want to stay aggressive,” Smith said. “But in the end I’m always trying to make the right read and throw where the defense is telling me to throw. You don’t come out here and predetermine anything, like ‘Oh, I’m going to chuck it deep on this play.’ I’m constantly trying to just trust my eyes and what I’m seeing out there, trust my reads and what I’ve prepared for and then come out here and throw good balls.”

For his part, Reid might be OK with that. But for now, when an interception costs the Chiefs nothing, he would prefer Smith be more of a gambler.

“Everybody is all on board (with Smith),” Reid said. “He’s a good football player. He’s showing that (along with) good leadership. I’m asking him to do a ton of things. He’s handling it. We’ve had an interception here or there but that’s all part of this thing. You’ve got to find out about the offense and you can’t do it with your hands in your pocket. You’ve got to go out and try things and experiment. That’s what he’s doing now.

“It’s just good stuff. He’s staying aggressive with the ball, and I appreciate that.”

The final offseason practice is today. The Chiefs won’t get together again as a group until training camp begins in July at Missouri Western State University.

Smith indicated he may try to throw to some Chiefs receivers during their downtime in an effort to stay sharp.

“We’re heads and shoulder above where we were a couple of months ago,” he said. “But that’s a never-ending thing. I don’t think it’s something like, ‘We’ve got a good feel for each other so we don’t need to work anymore.’ You’re constantly working at it. This is our job, this is our craft. Every single day, it’s coming out here and pushing to get better.”

**BigMeatballDave** · 06-28-2013, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaj22

Listen this reaction is because of what it is,

we were led to believe after 2008 and into 2009 we would have a 4 year rebuild

we are now on an 8 year rebuild plan. A rebuild of a rebuild that should have been a rebuild. While other better ran franchises are turning over losing seasons into winning seasons in the span of 1 year, we are on an 8 year plan to find some winning consistency.

That's why people are tired. Four years ago people were saying, by 2013 this will be a winning Chiefs team and formula. Guess what, still losing. So now by 2016/2017 this Chiefs team will be winning if we are lucky. By then that will be far too late for some of our best players and we will need, you guessed it, another rebuild.

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

**Mav** · 06-28-2013, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Maverick, you must have missed Crabtrees comments about how Kaepernick trusted his players more than Alex did and that's why his production got a boost when the change was made.

No, I didn't miss that. And, ill be the first to tell you, and you have read me say this before. IN San Francisco, Alex Smith, RARELY, threw to a receiver if he was covered at all. It was only in his last full game against the cardinals that alex ever threw to guys who were covered. It was stunning. But, ironically, hence the THREAD TITLE. They are telling him to be more aggressive. Now, will he? I don't know, I don't know what kind of assurances he has gotten from the coaching staffs, that if he forces a few throws in the preseason, and they get picked off, are they going to turn on him, or if they are doing the right thing, and telling him that he needs to make those mistakes then, so he knows what he can get away with.

I hope he comes out and attempts passes I haven't seen from him in the preseason, and is ultra aggressive.

mcaj22 · 06-28-2013, 11:44 AM

It's just a numbers game for our chances to win.

We dont have a shot at the division until Peyton Manning retires. And there are too many good teams in the AFC that fight for the wildcards. Our only shot is winning the division to make the playoffs. The other AFC divisions have locked up division champs and thee good teams fighting for the WC.

We can't compete with the Ravens, Steelers, Bengals, Colts and maybe even the money the Dolphins spent and their young QB on a WC spot.

That's asking Alex Smith to compete against Flacco, Big Ben, Andrew Luck and Tannehill for a chance at 10-6. With 1 of those 3 teams locking up a division and Houston and NE locking up the other two.

Alex Smith cant hang with ANY of those QBs.

**Mav** · 06-28-2013, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Again, I agree.

This teams fortunes won't change until they draft a quarterback that can inject some life into this stale franchise.

Successful rebuilds always start with drafting quarterbacks.

hmmmm, I don't know about that. The packers rebuild started by signing Reggie White, and trading for Brett Favre. The Rams rebuild started with trading for trent green, and then by having a journey man taking over. There is no blue print to it. Matt Hasselbeck, was another teams back up that got his team to the super bowl. The Broncos rebuild is being completed by Peyton Manning. A successful rebuild, starts with having a front office, and head coach that can walk hand in hand, have a similar vision, and hit on draft picks, and free agents.

Sandy Vagina · 06-28-2013, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaj22

It's just a numbers game for our chances to win.

We dont have a shot at the division until Peyton Manning retires. And there are too many good teams in the AFC that fight for the wildcards. Our only shot is winning the division to make the playoffs. The other AFC divisions have locked up division champs and the good teams fighting for the WC.

We can't compete with the Ravens, Steelers, Bengals, Colts and maybe even the money the Dolphins spent and their young QB on a WC spot.

That's asking Alex Smith to compete against Flacco, Big Ben, Andrew Luck and Tannehill for a chance at 10-6. With 1 of those 3 teams locking up a division and Houston and NE locking up the other two.

Alex Smith cant hang with ANY of those QBs.

Such a quitter's attitude, and it should shame you to be so defeated. Imagine if the Chiefs players and coaches felt as you do. It's weak sauce. It takes courage to believe in something. I wish you luck in finding some courage.

mcaj22 · 06-28-2013, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac-NinersChiefs

Such a quitter's attitude, and it should shame you to be so defeated. Imagine if the Chiefs players and coaches felt as you do. It's weak sauce. It takes courage to believe in something. I wish you luck in finding some courage.

you are a 49ers fan front running as a Chiefs fan because of a shit player

That's a quitters attitude, finding a 2nd team to be a homer about.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-28-2013, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaj22

This is such a cop out for when the team goes 6-10, 7-9, 8-8 you can use this excuse all the way into year 2 and still have faith that it's a "process"

You're ****ing full of shit. When have I EVER used a "cop out" in 13 years of discussing football in this forum?

You still have not revealed how a guy in Pennsylvania knows so much about every other football team (which of course, is a joke because you repeatedly continue to show that you don't know dick).

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaj22

Oh it took Alex Smith until Week 10 to figure out how to throw to Bowe, and Doug Pederson week 11 to figure out how to use McCluster and Bob Sutton week 15 to figure out how to bench Dunta Robinson for anyone else and the DL to get a pass rush, this will all carry over into next season for year 2 playoff hopes! woooo!

You're an idiot. I hope that's working for you.

**Mav** · 06-28-2013, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaj22

It's just a numbers game for our chances to win.

We dont have a shot at the division until Peyton Manning retires. And there are too many good teams in the AFC that fight for the wildcards. Our only shot is winning the division to make the playoffs. The other AFC divisions have locked up division champs and thee good teams fighting for the WC.

We can't compete with the Ravens, Steelers, Bengals, Colts and maybe even the money the Dolphins spent and their young QB on a WC spot.

That's asking Alex Smith to compete against Flacco, Big Ben, Andrew Luck and Tannehill for a chance at 10-6. With 1 of those 3 teams locking up a division and Houston and NE locking up the other two.

Alex Smith cant hang with ANY of those QBs.

You sure are assuming a lot. I guess you think that without Welker, without gronk, without the murderer, that the Patriots aren't going to struggle. YOu are assuming that the Dolphins are going to be better because they added, MIKE WALLACE?

The steelers, and Ravens are FAR WORSE than they were a year ago. Also, the steelers are just flat out OLD. Yes, its true, you probably will have to fight for a wildcard with the colts/Texans runner up, but look at the division you play in. Its AWFUL. There is no competition for second place. And to think that you cant split with the bronocs, that just crazy.

A lot of your assumptions are based off of reputation, but not really off of reality. Especially with Baltimore. You don't lose everything they lost, Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, Paul Kruger, Ellerbe, and Anquan Boldin, and not take a step back.

**Mav** · 06-28-2013, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaj22

you are a 49ers fan front running as a Chiefs fan because of a shit player

That's a quitters attitude, finding a 2nd team to be a homer about.

No dumbass. That's me. Don't confuse the two. mac has been an equal of both teams since he got here. Don't be so ****ing dense.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-28-2013, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaj22

you are a 49ers fan front running as a Chiefs fan because of a shit player

That's a quitters attitude, finding a 2nd team to be a homer about.

Who are you to tell anyone what they should do with their time or which team(s) they should root for?

Do you have ANY idea the sheer volume of fans that came over with Joe Montana to the Chiefs? Hell, we have several here in the forum.

You're dumb. It figures, since you and SDH share the same avatar.

Two peas in a pod called stupid.

ChiefsCountry · 06-28-2013, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Do you have ANY idea the sheer volume of fans that came over with Joe Montana to the Chiefs? Hell, we have several here in the forum.

Joe Montana = Greatest Quarterback of All Time or Alex "8-8" Smith. Pretty much have to be a dumbass to switch teams because of Alex Smith.

Rasputin · 06-28-2013, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Again, I agree.

This teams fortunes won't change until they draft a quarterback that can inject some life into this stale franchise.

Successful rebuilds always start with drafting quarterbacks.

This.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-28-2013, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaj22

We dont have a shot at the division until Peyton Manning retires. And there are too many good teams in the AFC that fight for the wildcards. Our only shot is winning the division to make the playoffs. The other AFC divisions have locked up division champs and thee good teams fighting for the WC.

We can't compete with the Ravens, Steelers, Bengals, Colts and maybe even the money the Dolphins spent and their young QB on a WC spot.

That's asking Alex Smith to compete against Flacco, Big Ben, Andrew Luck and Tannehill for a chance at 10-6. With 1 of those 3 teams locking up a division and Houston and NE locking up the other two.

Alex Smith cant hang with ANY of those QBs.

More nonsense.

The Steelers just lost their best downfield threat in Mike Wallace. They lost their starting running back. Their defense is old and James Harrison moved on to Cincinnati. They missed the playoffs last year and are coming off of an 8-8 record.

For a guy that lives in Pennsylvania, you don't know jack about the Steelers.

Sandy Vagina · 06-28-2013, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

Pretty much have to be a dumbass to switch teams because of Alex Smith.

I doubt people are switching teams. They are simply adding a team in which to cheer for. I will always keep SF first and by a large margin... but there's nothing wrong with adding interest in another team.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-28-2013, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Successful rebuilds always start with drafting quarterbacks.

I'm sure the Ravens, Bucs and Saints can't wait to return their Super Bowl trophies.

If Denver wins it all this year (which has been predicted by many in the media), I'm sure they'll refuse the award as well.

06-05-2013, 06:26 PM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $542813	Teicher:Prodded by Andy Reid, Chiefs QB Alex Smith learning to be more aggressive Prodded by Andy Reid, Chiefs QB Alex Smith learning to be more aggressive By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star One of the qualities the Chiefs like in new quarterback Alex Smith is his recent history with few turnovers. Smith threw just 10 interceptions in his last 25 games for the San Francisco 49ers, a stat that looks extremely pretty in Kansas City after Chiefs quarterbacks committed 27 turnovers last season. Smith’s low turnover rate was due at least in part by his reluctance to throw the ball down the field. He was referred to by frustrated 49ers fans as Captain Checkdown for his habit of throwing shorter patterns to receivers for shorter gains. Smith is in the process of being reprogrammed by Andy Reid, his new coach. Reid doesn’t want to turn Smith into a turnover machine but wants him to be more aggressive, particularly during offseason practice. “You want to get a feel for the offense now, particularly when you’re new at it (and) if there are close throws, challenge it, see what you can get away with,” Reid said. “If it ends up being an interception, OK, it’s an interception. You learn from it. These are smart guys so they learn from it and once they get into the season, they’re not experimenting with it on game day and they know what they can get away with and know what they can’t. “It’s a new offense. I would tell any quarterback that comes in new that that’s what you need to do. I’ve told them all that. Go ahead and take your shots and see what you can get away with, within reason. But if it’s a close throw, there are going to be a few of those in the National Football League on game day so you need to know what you can get away with on each route.” Smith and the other Chiefs quarterbacks were rewarded with several long completions in Wednesday’s practice. Smith had three such plays, including two to Jon Baldwin, while Tyler Bray and Ricky Stanzi had one apiece. Wednesday’s barrage of big passing plays isn’t necessarily an indication the deep ball is back in the Chiefs’ offense. But since such plays have been scarce for the Chiefs in each of the past two seasons, they’re taking it as an encouraging sign. “We’re just kind of continuing to press to see what we can do … finding out what we’re capable of,” Smith said. “You’ve got to find that out at some point. This is what the practice field is for.” Smith was the NFL’s highest-rated passer last season before he was injured, missed a start and then replaced by Colin Kaepernick as San Francisco’s starting quarterback. Smith was completing more than 70 percent of his passes, a high rate, and had just five interceptions. Still, he had just 30 touchdown passes in his final 25 starts for the 49ers. While that’s a good number as a ratio with his 10 interceptions, it still represents a shortage of big plays. Smith won’t turn into a mad bomber overnight, if he ever does. “You want to stay aggressive,” Smith said. “But in the end I’m always trying to make the right read and throw where the defense is telling me to throw. You don’t come out here and predetermine anything, like ‘Oh, I’m going to chuck it deep on this play.’ I’m constantly trying to just trust my eyes and what I’m seeing out there, trust my reads and what I’ve prepared for and then come out here and throw good balls.” For his part, Reid might be OK with that. But for now, when an interception costs the Chiefs nothing, he would prefer Smith be more of a gambler. “Everybody is all on board (with Smith),” Reid said. “He’s a good football player. He’s showing that (along with) good leadership. I’m asking him to do a ton of things. He’s handling it. We’ve had an interception here or there but that’s all part of this thing. You’ve got to find out about the offense and you can’t do it with your hands in your pocket. You’ve got to go out and try things and experiment. That’s what he’s doing now. “It’s just good stuff. He’s staying aggressive with the ball, and I appreciate that.” The final offseason practice is today. The Chiefs won’t get together again as a group until training camp begins in July at Missouri Western State University. Smith indicated he may try to throw to some Chiefs receivers during their downtime in an effort to stay sharp. “We’re heads and shoulder above where we were a couple of months ago,” he said. “But that’s a never-ending thing. I don’t think it’s something like, ‘We’ve got a good feel for each other so we don’t need to work anymore.’ You’re constantly working at it. This is our job, this is our craft. Every single day, it’s coming out here and pushing to get better.”
Posts: 42,166

06-28-2013, 11:44 AM	#1233
mcaj22 MVP Join Date: Feb 2010 Casino cash: $10014454	It's just a numbers game for our chances to win. We dont have a shot at the division until Peyton Manning retires. And there are too many good teams in the AFC that fight for the wildcards. Our only shot is winning the division to make the playoffs. The other AFC divisions have locked up division champs and thee good teams fighting for the WC. We can't compete with the Ravens, Steelers, Bengals, Colts and maybe even the money the Dolphins spent and their young QB on a WC spot. That's asking Alex Smith to compete against Flacco, Big Ben, Andrew Luck and Tannehill for a chance at 10-6. With 1 of those 3 teams locking up a division and Houston and NE locking up the other two. Alex Smith cant hang with ANY of those QBs.
Posts: 11,886