Teicher:Chiefs like what they’ve seen so far from QB Alex Smith

[Tribal Warfare]

Chiefs like what they’ve seen so far from QB Alex Smith
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star
The trade for quarterback Alex Smith might take another year or more to adequately assess, but at least from their part, the Chiefs may not feel the need to wait. Quarterbacks coach Matt Nagy came close to calling it a success after practice Thursday.

“He’s been everything that we thought he was,’’ Nagy said of Smith. “He’s a true professional. He’s in his (playbook) every day. He’s always asking questions, trying to get better. He’s being a leader for the other (quarterbacks) as well.’’

Smith, like the other Chiefs quarterbacks, has had his successes and failures on the practice field. He is learning a new offensive system under a new set of coaches and throwing to a new set of receivers.

Smith and his teammates are prohibited under NFL rules from working in pads, so at this time of year, practice is conducted at something less than full speed, and a better quarterback evaluation is generally done at training camp, when teams are allowed to hold padded practice sessions.

Most teams are generally pleased with their quarterbacks at this stage, when there is no defensive pressure for them to worry about. The Chiefs, for instance, were content with Matt Cassel at a similar point after trading for him in 2009. Once the games began, Cassel never developed into the player they thought he could become, and in March he was released.

The Chiefs believe they already have an accurate grasp of what Smith is capable of in a physical regard, having watched on tape all of his games as a starter with the San Francisco 49ers. But none of their key offensive figures, including Nagy, coordinator Doug Pederson or coach Andy Reid, who will call the plays, had any experience with Smith, so they weren’t certain what they would get from their new starting quarterback in terms of preparation and work habits.

That part of Smith’s game has provided them with some relief.

“He’s comfortable with what we’re doing,’’ Pederson said. “He’s understanding the terminology, and he’s orchestrating that at the line of scrimmage. We’re really pleased with where he’s at right now.’’

Those intangibles were the unknown.

“I’m with him every single day,’’ Nagy said. “Just talking X’s and O’s and past experiences he’s had, he brings some good things to our attention as a staff. He has a lot of valuable experience. He’s been through a lot. Having those experiences and coming in here to a team with a new staff, it’s been an awesome experience. Throughout this process, we’re taking in what he has, he’s taking in what we have, and we’re putting it all together and trying to make this work.

“When he’s out here on the practice field, he’s a leader. The guys look to him. The quarterback position is so important to be that leader, whether it’s vocally or by your play. He does both of that. Having him be able to do that and have some of these younger guys look up to him, that’s what we need, and that’s what we expected he’d have and he does have that.’’

In return for Smith, the Chiefs sent their second-round pick in this year’s draft plus a third-rounder next year that converts to a second if they win eight or more games this season. Smith would be worth any price if he becomes the long-term solution at a position that has been most elusive for the Chiefs.

“It’s been great,’’ Smith said of his first few practices with the Chiefs. “It’s been football. I’ve been itching for this for a long time. I was sitting there watching a lot of football at the end of last year. I’ve said this before: This is what I wanted, and now it’s here. I’m just trying to make the most of it.’’

The Chiefs also signed former Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel to be Smith’s backup, even though he’s thrown only nine passes in four seasons behind Drew Brees for New Orleans.

“It’s evident he’s been with such a great quarterback in Drew,’’ Nagy said. “He comes in and he’s very cerebral with the protections. He understands the game and he’s a competitor. He pushed Drew Brees every day in practice, and that’s what he’s going to do here with Alex.’’

Ricky Stanzi and rookie Tyler Bray are the other quarterbacks. Stanzi, who has been with the Chiefs for two seasons without getting into a regular-season game, began the offseason as the third quarterback, a significant fact this time of year only because he will get more snaps in practice.

Bray and Stanzi have since flipped spots, with Bray getting more practice snaps.

“I want to see each guy every day getting better,’’ Nagy said. “If one is a little bit behind the other, I want to see who that is and I want to see if he’s going to improve. Is he getting better? If he’s going backwards, that’s not what we want. Let’s see him improve.

“Let’s not put them against each other right now. Let’s just see where they’re at individually, and if you get better, that’s great. We’ll go from there.’’

[Marcellus]

Originally Posted by el borracho

Well, that is essentially true (although that scenario has a very low percentage of success). If you are trying to be the one team in a decade that wins the Super Bowl without a franchise QB, you really are trying to do things the hard way.

Well, that depends on your definition of franchise QB which is a term used way too much. According to CP there are 20+ franchise QB's running around.

[SAUTO]

Originally Posted by jlw62987

You're right. Going 24 for 42, 299 yards, 3 TD's, and 1 rushing TD for a rating of 103.2 against the Saints didn't help at all.

Or going 12 for 26, 196 yards, 2 TD's for a rating of 97.6 caused them to lose against the Giants right?

Give me a break. Tom Brady and the Patriots offense couldn't beat that Giants defense that year in the Super Bowl.

Man, you're right. I don't want a guy who throws 5 TD's with 0 INT's plus a rushing TD in the postseason to lead this team.

him being terrible on third downs caused the loss to the giants
Posted via Mobile Device

[el borracho]

Originally Posted by Marcellus

By that same logic Kaepernick's play had no contribution to the SB team last year. They basically won onne more game with Kap right?

Care to rethink that?

No need to rethink anything. That one extra game was pretty important; wouldn't you agree? Two extra games would have been all the difference in the world.

[Fat Elvis]

Originally Posted by SNR

Now do you ****ing idiots see why trading for him without investing in a high-profile rookie was a terrible idea?

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/york-je...093400476.html

New York Jets' rookie quarterback Geno Smith finally got down to business on the practice field and started impressing some people Thursday. Playing with the first-team offense against the first-team defense, he started to show some of the abilities that made him one of the most highly discussed prospects prior to the recent NFL draft.

First Team? Bring It On!

As reported by Manish Mehta of NYDailyNews.com and confirmed by Kenneth Arthur of SBNation.com, Smith received first-team reps in Thursday's OTAs. Clearly, coaches Rex Ryan and Marty Mornhinweg were not kidding when they said this would be an open competition right from the get go.

With a new West Coast offense being installed, it would be great for the Jets if they could choose their quarterback as soon as possible, thus giving maximal practice time to the eventual starter. It already appears to be down to two quarterbacks, the rookie Smith and the veteran Mark Sanchez.

With Smith already getting his first-team reps in May, this could be interpreted as a sign that by July or August it will already be his offense.

Cool Under Pressure

As usual, one of the themes at this year's OTAs is the defense outplaying the offense. It is part of being the Jets in the Rex Ryan era. The defense and especially the heavily-loaded defensive line are going to continue to make things challenging for the developing offense.

Nevertheless, Geno Smith handled the pressure quite well. According to Brian Bassett of TheJetsBlog.com, he completed an impressive eight out of nine passes, despite facing pressure and being sacked twice.

The ability to complete passes when hurried is beyond crucial in the modern NFL. With the imbalance between passing and running, especially on third downs, it is necessary for quarterbacks to be able to handle obvious passing situations and opposing blitzes. Sanchez has been criticized in the past for his inability to deal with intense pressure. If Smith continues to handle pressure with ease, that could be a push in his favor.

Leaning the Other Way

Before OTAs, the incumbent Sanchez supposedly had a 'leg up' in the competition. Are things now leaning the other way?

Whenever a rookie quarterback gets first-team reps this early in the year, it is bound to be taken as a sign that he is getting very serious consideration to be the starter. After four years with Sanchez, it is safe to say that some fans have lost patience with his development and would welcome a change.

There are still plenty of wrinkles left to the situation. The wide receiver group will be changing soon. Santonio Holmes is still recovering from last year's foot injury, and Stephen Hill is just now starting to come back from a minor knee injury. The team's new UDFA receiver Marcus Davis should be learning the offense soon and getting more involved. Obviously different receivers can mean different results for the quarterbacks.

To add an extra wrinkle, No. 9 overall pick and cornerback Dee Milliner is getting healthy and should make an appearance relatively soon. The Jets' quarterbacks get the reprieve this year of not having to practice against Darrelle Revis. It will be interesting to see if Milliner is able to affect the situation when he joins in.

For the moment, it is still an open competition, but Geno Smith is starting to impress some people. If he is intimidated, he is not making it obvious.

[Marcellus]

Originally Posted by el borracho

No need to rethink anything. That one extra game was pretty important; wouldn't you agree? Two extra games would have been all the difference in the world.

So there is a huge difference between losing in OT of the NFCCG and losing the SB?

Yea your logic is flawed due to your blinders dude. You just said Smith had no bearing on the team getting to the NFCCG because look they won one more game the next year with Kap. If that is your logic, its awfully hypocritical thinking.


You are correct though Alex Smith could be God and it wouldn't be good enough for half of CP.

Its ****ing hilarious.

[Marcellus]

Originally Posted by Fat Elvis

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/york-je...093400476.html

Let the hypocrisy begin.

[SAUTO]

Originally Posted by Marcellus

Let the hypocrisy begin.

Where?

Are you trying to compare the write ups about a rookie and an eight year vet?
Posted via Mobile Device

[jlw62987]

Originally Posted by Marcellus

So there is a huge difference between losing in OT of the NFCCG and losing the SB?

Yea your logic is flawed due to your blinders dude. You just said Smith had no bearing on the team getting to the NFCCG because look they won one more game the next year with Kap. If that is your logic, its awfully hypocritical thinking.


You are correct though Alex Smith could be God and it wouldn't be good enough for half of CP.

Its ****ing hilarious.

No, no. You are using too much logic here. You have to have blind hatred or you have no argument here on CP. Truth is, CPers would hate any QB Reid would have drafted or brought in. Some people wanted Geno, others wanted Barkley. It doesn't matter what Reid does until we win a postseason game. Even then, Smith will still be hated here. CPers will say he is a product of the system. They can't fathom that maybe....just maybe our coaching the past 6 years has just been awful and NO QB would have been successful. Even Cassel shined one year under a good offensive coordinator.

[Marcellus]

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

Where?

Are you trying to compare the write ups about a rookie and an eight year vet?
Posted via Mobile Device

Dude give it a rest.

Every fluff piece written on Geno will be taken as proof he is going to be badass, before he takes a snap.

Nothing said about Alex will garner positive response.

Neither guy has taken a snap this season but by the time the season starts their entire future will have been played out here.

Don't act like you dont know this.

[-King-]

Posted via Mobile Device

[el borracho]

Originally Posted by Marcellus

So there is a huge difference between losing in OT of the NFCCG and losing the SB? Yes, there is.

Yea your logic is flawed due to your blinders dude. You just said Smith had no bearing on the team getting to the NFCCG because look they won one more game the next year with Kap. If that is your logic, its awfully hypocritical thinking. I never said that Smith's play had no bearing.


You are correct though Alex Smith could be God and it wouldn't be good enough for half of CP. Nice hyperbole.
Its ****ing hilarious.

.

[NinerDoug]

Originally Posted by Marcellus

By that same logic Kaepernick's play had no contribution to the SB team last year. They basically won onne more game with Kap right?

Care to rethink that?

Anyone who saw the divisional playoff game with the Saints in 2011 knows that Alex contributed big time to getting to the NFC Championship game. He was clutch in the 4th quarter. The Catch III.

Last season, he was getting the job done, and would not have been benched but for the concussion. Once CK came in, it was obvious that he was ready to do what he was drafted to do, and is destined to be elite. Far superior to Alex.

Still, with a decent team around him, he can get the job done. Having a phenominal TE like Vernon Davis is pretty much the key.

If you need a QB that will carry the offense, however, not gonna happen.

P.S., you need a good game on the ground as well.

[SAUTO]

Originally Posted by Marcellus

Dude give it a rest.

Every fluff piece written on Geno will be taken as proof he is going to be badass, before he takes a snap.

Nothing said about Alex will garner positive response.

Neither guy has taken a snap this season but by the time the season starts their entire future will have been played out here.

Don't act like you dont know this.

it is somewhat impressive with a rookie going against a Ryan d.

He's a ****ing rookie. .

Smith is an eight year vet.




Big difference
Posted via Mobile Device

[Mav]

Originally Posted by SNR

Compare Matt Barkley to other 4th round QBs in years past. You're telling me there's no difference between him and those guys?

QBs fell in this draft. But you can't deny the huge change in perception between last year and this year. And yes, that absolutely affects player judgments and evaluations.

In any case, Matt Barkley would have had his ass on the bench for at least a season or two. He might not have worked out, but he's got a better shot at being the QB we need over Tyler freakin Bray. And when you get into the 3rd round and you have the shit that we do for QBs, that draft pick is worth it each and every time.

Yes, Barkley would have been high profile.

Matt Barkley, no matter how many ways people want to spin it, is affected by two things. One, unfair, or not, USC qbs are now judged differently. Second, hes no more physically imposing than Alex Smith, and apparently no less fragile as he has already had a shoulder injury in college. Matt Barkley is not a better qb prospect than Tyler Bray. Nothing about Tyler Brays physical football skills led to him being undrafted. His brain, and common sense were the reasons.

Originally Posted by buddha

There is nothing that the Star can write that the same group of douchebags won't rip to shreds.

Hell...have the negative nancys every imagined that Alex might actually work out well in KC?

It's amazing how all three of the QBs were demeaned in the same thread...and yet, somehow, the GREAT MATT BARKLEY would have made it all better.

Its really not even worth your time to even bother. As soon as I saw the thread title, I knew exactly what was going to be said. No sense in even acknowledging it. No matter what happens in preseason isn't going to make a difference. Winning week one against Jax isn't going to make a difference. The only thing that will make a difference is if the Chiefs make the playoffs. And even then, the hard core dumbasses, will find every other excuse in the book, schedule, chiefs defense, chiefs special teams, chiefs running game, Bowe having 500 yards after catch, alex not taking risks, blah blah blah, the excuses will live on eternally. Why? Because some people are such miserable ****ing human beings and get stuck in the suck so hard that they cant find any silver lining in anything.....its just the way shitty people are.

Originally Posted by jlw62987

That doesn't make any sense. Alex Smith was a fumble away from making the Super Bowl two years ago. He should have started over Kaepernick this year as well. I can't wait until teams figure out Kaepernick and the 49ers collapse from Harbaugh's dumb decision. Smith was a number 1 pick! He had AWFUL coaching and AWFUL teams until Harbaugh came into town. The guy has tremendous talent and will thrive under Reid's coaching.

Let me see here. Trust the CP internet coaches on here or Andy Reid? Hmm....tough one! I think I'll trust Andy Reid over you guys on here any day.

See my comment above. Let the malcontents be malcontented. Gonna make for a shitty long season for them.

Originally Posted by el borracho

Who would who be? I was referring to Kaepernick in the post you quoted. Kaepernick was the more dynamic QB that ultimately replaced Smith.

Yes, Jim Harbaughs hand picked qb replaced his hand picked place holder. Stunning. Never seen that before in the NFL. Like when Brady Replaced Bledsoe, or when Rodgers, replaced Favre, or when Luck Replaced Manning. never seen it, except, the rule maintains. When your back up qb, is your new leaderships hand picked successor, your starter is on a short leash. Its the golden rule......

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

him being terrible on third downs caused the loss to the giants
Posted via Mobile Device

Bullshit. Convenient excuse by the ABAers to find anyway possible to pin the loss on one player. He played a part in the loss, no doubt, but his 3rd down conversions were lower on the list than turnovers, and missed opportunities that the 49ers defense didn't capitalize on......teams that lose the turn over battle, lose 70 % of the time.......

Originally Posted by NinerDoug

Anyone who saw the divisional playoff game with the Saints in 2011 knows that Alex contributed big time to getting to the NFC Championship game. He was clutch in the 4th quarter. The Catch III.

Last season, he was getting the job done, and would not have been benched but for the concussion. Once CK came in, it was obvious that he was ready to do what he was drafted to do, and is destined to be elite. Far superior to Alex.

Still, with a decent team around him, he can get the job done. Having a phenominal TE like Vernon Davis is pretty much the key.

If you need a QB that will carry the offense, however, not gonna happen.

P.S., you need a good game on the ground as well.

Pretty accurate post. You might want to let the guy start a full season before you crown him. Just remember Cam Newton, and now he (keep) lost his security blanket..........

[RealSNR]

Originally Posted by Fat Elvis

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/york-je...093400476.html

I don't give a shit what any offense looks like in OTAs. Vermeil's offenses were terrible in OTAs and training camp every offseason, and that's even with the carryover of the same playbook, coaches, and QB.

It's the fact that yes, this team will most likely pull a 6-10, 7-9, or 8-8 season, and just as it was with Cassel, it will be argued that most of the losses were not Alex Smith's fault, and that he needs more time to be evaluated before finding a different solution.