Chiefs Teicher:Prodded by Andy Reid, Chiefs QB Alex Smith learning to be more aggressive - Page 62

**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.”

Hammock Parties · 06-27-2013, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverick91579

but you make it sound like the guy cant throw a pass over 20 yards, and that's just bullshit.

Statistically speaking, he does it less than almost every other starting QB in the NFL.

Argue that, evil perverter of innocent little Chiefs fans.

Fat Elvis · 06-27-2013, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RunKC

Just because Alex Smith didn't throw downfield very much doesn't mean he sucks at it.

Seeing a lot of solid downfield throws from him in this video.

He sucks because he only throws deep (or TDs) on 1st and 2nd down/Wendler

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-27-2013, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sorter

While I'm not rooting for Smith to fail(at this point), I can undrratand why someone would root for the Chiefs/Smith to fail for the gteater good ( think Suck for luck).

It would be absolutely disastrous for the coaches, Clark Hunt an more importantly, the players, if this team laid an egg and got a Top Three pick in 2014.

Ace Gunner · 06-27-2013, 04:15 PM

look at this video from Smith's 2012 games -- he makes all the throws an NFL QB needs and there are plenty of good QB mechanics -- quick drops, good feet, quick release and accurate throws.

of course, his mistake plays aren't in there, but he's going to create a ball control offense with Jamaal & Bowe helping out quite a bit imo which is going to help the defense a lot.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-27-2013, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Smith HATER

Statistically speaking, he does it less than almost every other starting QB in the NFL.

Argue that, evil perverter of innocent little Chiefs fans.

How many other QB's were one game away from the Super Bowl in 2011 and had the best QB rating in all of the NFL in 2012?

This is an easy game to play.

Rasputin · 06-27-2013, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

It would be absolutely disastrous for the coaches, Clark Hunt an more importantly, the players, if this team laid an egg and got a Top Three pick in 2014.

Not if we draft a quarterback with that pick.

**Mav** · 06-27-2013, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Smith HATER

Statistically speaking, he does it less than almost every other starting QB in the NFL.

Argue that, evil perverter of innocent little Chiefs fans.

He, does not run a system, that is built around the deep ball. He, ran a control short passing game to utilize Vernon Davis, and Crabtree. The same style of system that he is going to run here. He is a PURE WEST COAST style qb. One that is built on the run game, and supplemented with the short controlled passing game. And hes deadly accurate, and efficient in that. And, like I said. Who is he supposed to be throwing to on the Chiefs down the field?

You said Donnie Avery lol, that's when I knew I had you. That was all you had.

Hammock Parties · 06-27-2013, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

How many other QB's were one game away from the Super Bowl in 2011 and had the best QB rating in all of the NFL in 2012?

This is an easy game to play.

How many had the top defense in the NFL, a top running game and a beastly offensive line with elite coaching?

Alex Smith was simply in the right place at the right time, being drug long by the rest of the team.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-27-2013, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

Not if we draft a quarterback with that pick.

Really? What proof do you have that guarantees the QB selected will lead this team to, well, anything?

Hint: You don't.

Sorter · 06-27-2013, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverick91579

He, does not run a system, that is built around the deep ball. He, ran a control short passing game to utilize Vernon Davis, and Crabtree. The same style of system that he is going to run here. He is a PURE WEST COAST style qb. One that is built on the run game, and supplemented with the short controlled passing game. And hes deadly accurate, and efficient in that. And, like I said. Who is he supposed to be throwing to on the Chiefs down the field?

You said Donnie Avery lol, that's when I knew I had you. That was all you had.

Personally, I think there are quite a few route concepts coupled with formations that would allow Bowe to serve as a deep threat. As far a pure field stretchers, then yes Avery is acceptable.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-27-2013, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Smith HATER

How many had the top defense in the NFL, a top running game and a beastly offensive line with elite coaching?

Alex Smith was simply in the right place at the right time, being drug long by the rest of the team.

I'm sorry, he may have had "Elite" coaching but he had questionable offensive play calling.

Can you please explain to me why in the Super Bowl, in a last ditch effort to win the game, the 49ers tried the same exact plays three times?

Can you explain to me why on that final drive, they didn't spread out their personnel, even once, in order to give Kaepernick a running lane?

Can you?

**Mav** · 06-27-2013, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

It would be absolutely disastrous for the coaches, Clark Hunt an more importantly, the players, if this team laid an egg and got a Top Three pick in 2014.

It is an unrealistic scenario. It could happen, and if it does, they will draft one, because it means that Alex Smith sucked horribly, or got hurt, and it will be time to move on.

Hammock Parties · 06-27-2013, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

I'm sorry, he may have had "Elite" coaching but he had questionable offensive play calling.

Can you please explain to me why in the Super Bowl, in a last ditch effort to win the game, the 49ers tried the same exact plays three times?

Can you explain to me why on that final drive, they didn't spread out their personnel, even once, in order to give Kaepernick a running lane?

Can you?

Can you explain why Alex Smith completes fewer passes down the field than anyone in the NFL, save Christian Ponder...

...and why his team almost always loses when the opponent scores 24 or more points?

Can you?

Sorter · 06-27-2013, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

It would be absolutely disastrous for the coaches, Clark Hunt an more importantly, the players, if this team laid an egg and got a Top Three pick in 2014.

I agree primarily due tomy opinion that at this time, there isnt a QB coming out that would fulfill that desire to root for losses. Now, if we just were blown out and in contention for 1.1 and Clowney progresses, then I suppose it could be justifiable.

**Mav** · 06-27-2013, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sorter

Personally, I think there are quite a few route concepts coupled with formations that would allow Bowe to serve as a deep threat. As far a pure field stretchers, then yes Avery is acceptable.

And I would agree. I believe the concept of the deep pass, in many peoples minds, are 40 yard streak routes. Where in actuality, the concept of the deep pass, is any pass over 20 yards, and I truthfully think that Bowe becomes the most dangerous, after the catch, something Alex Smith excels at. Dwayne Bowe is going to be his favorite target, and best receiver he has ever played with.

06-05-2013, 06:26 PM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $962813	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: 42,030

06-27-2013, 04:15 PM	#919
Ace Gunner First Overall Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: kcmo Casino cash: $10007271	look at this video from Smith's 2012 games -- he makes all the throws an NFL QB needs and there are plenty of good QB mechanics -- quick drops, good feet, quick release and accurate throws. of course, his mistake plays aren't in there, but he's going to create a ball control offense with Jamaal & Bowe helping out quite a bit imo which is going to help the defense a lot. __________________ The Greatest
Posts: 10,580