Chiefs Teicher:Prodded by Andy Reid, Chiefs QB Alex Smith learning to be more aggressive - Page 79

**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.”

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-28-2013, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Smith HATER

Dane we'll cure you of this disease.

In the end you'll be happier.

No thanks.

If I hated this team as much as you apparently do, I'd find another hobby.

Hint.

**BossChief** · 06-28-2013, 12:20 AM

Dane, do you think Alex Smith will lead this team to playoff wins?

Hammock Parties · 06-28-2013, 12:21 AM

It's pretty clear who I hate, and it's not the team.

You're going to look back on these past two offseasons and hate yourself when you realize you put faith in Matt Cassel and Alex Smith.

When the time comes, I will be here for you.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-28-2013, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Dane, do you think Alex Smuth will lead this team to playoff wins?

I have absolutely no idea.

I haven't seen him play in Reid's WCO. I don't think that at this point in time, the Chiefs can win a playoff game because they just don't have anyone reliable or "big time" on the perimeter other than Flowers and Bowe.

Do I think he's capable? Yes. Will it happen? Who knows? None of us have even seen this offense with this personnel, let alone the new defensive scheme.

As I've said repeatedly, I'm making no predictions.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-28-2013, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Smith HATER

It's pretty clear who I hate, and it's not the team.

You're going to look back on these past two offseasons and hate yourself when you realize you put faith in Matt Cassel and Alex Smith.

When the time comes, I will be here for you.

When did I EVER put faith in Matt Cassel? When have I "put faith" in Alex Smith?

All I've stated, repeatedly, is that Alex Smith is NOT Matt Cassel, despite the narrative you've created over the past five months.

Hammock Parties · 06-28-2013, 12:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

When did I EVER put faith in Matt Cassel?

Don't make me quote some more Dane McClassics.

mcaj22 · 06-28-2013, 12:30 AM

how in the blue hell did you think Abe Elam and Kevin Boss were upgrades? lol

I guess the same way you think Dunta Robinson and Donnie Avery are upgrades. Same crap FA average signings, different year.

**BossChief** · 06-28-2013, 12:34 AM

Dane, I'd probably slowly put the gun on the floor and back out of the room at this point.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-28-2013, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaj22

how in the blue hell did you think Abe Elam and Kevin Boss were upgrades? lol

I get it now: You're a ****ing moron.

Kevin Boss wasn't an upgrade over Jack O'Connell? Abe Elam wasn't an upgrade over whatever stiff was behind the always injured Kendrick Lewis?

Just how ****ing stupid are you?

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaj22

I guess the same way you think Dunta Robinson and Donnie Avery are upgrades. Same crap FA average signings, different year.

Yeah, Donnie Avery isn't an upgrade over brokedick Steve Breaston or McCluster.

Are you really THIS ****ing dumb? If so, you're an easy target.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-28-2013, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Smith HATER

Don't make me quote some more Dane McClassics.

This coming from the guy with 152,160 posts, 99.99% of which were ferociously wrong.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-28-2013, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Dane, I'd probably slowly put the gun on the floor and back out of the room at this point.

Thanks for the advice

mcaj22 · 06-28-2013, 12:36 AM

but they weren't. Do you watch Chiefs games blind or something? You call these guys upgrades every year and you are wrong, every year. And I'm the dumb one.

**BossChief** · 06-28-2013, 12:37 AM

I don't think Avery is an upgrade to Breaston. Robinson was a bad signing, too.

McCluster owned him in the opener last year.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-28-2013, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaj22

but they weren't. Do you watch Chiefs games blind or something? You call these guys upgrades every year and you are wrong, every year. And I'm the dumb one.

Kevin Boss was an upgrade. He got a concussion and it ended his career. Or are you stating that Jake O'Connell is a great tight end?

And yes, you ARE the dumb one.

There isn't ONE GM in the NFL that would have chosen Jake O'Connell over Kevin Boss.

**BossChief** · 06-28-2013, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Thanks for the advice

Hey, I'm just trying to help.

You thought Cassel could lead us to a lot of wins last year.

When you ask "when did I defend Cassel" ...that statement can get blown up.

06-05-2013, 06:26 PM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $902813	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: 42,081

06-28-2013, 12:20 AM	#1172
BossChief SuperBowl or bust Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: BF Iowa Casino cash: $1864088	Dane, do you think Alex Smith will lead this team to playoff wins? __________________ Dreams do come true... http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showp...postcount=1407
Posts: 47,129

06-28-2013, 12:21 AM	#1173
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4700478	It's pretty clear who I hate, and it's not the team. You're going to look back on these past two offseasons and hate yourself when you realize you put faith in Matt Cassel and Alex Smith. When the time comes, I will be here for you. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 277,920

06-28-2013, 12:30 AM	#1177
mcaj22 MVP Join Date: Feb 2010 Casino cash: $10014454	how in the blue hell did you think Abe Elam and Kevin Boss were upgrades? lol I guess the same way you think Dunta Robinson and Donnie Avery are upgrades. Same crap FA average signings, different year.
Posts: 11,886

06-28-2013, 12:34 AM	#1178
BossChief SuperBowl or bust Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: BF Iowa Casino cash: $1864088	Dane, I'd probably slowly put the gun on the floor and back out of the room at this point. __________________ Dreams do come true... http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showp...postcount=1407
Posts: 47,129

06-28-2013, 12:36 AM	#1182
mcaj22 MVP Join Date: Feb 2010 Casino cash: $10014454	but they weren't. Do you watch Chiefs games blind or something? You call these guys upgrades every year and you are wrong, every year. And I'm the dumb one.
Posts: 11,886

06-28-2013, 12:37 AM	#1183
BossChief SuperBowl or bust Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: BF Iowa Casino cash: $1864088	I don't think Avery is an upgrade to Breaston. Robinson was a bad signing, too. McCluster owned him in the opener last year. __________________ Dreams do come true... http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showp...postcount=1407
Posts: 47,129