Chiefs Teicher:Prodded by Andy Reid, Chiefs QB Alex Smith learning to be more aggressive - Page 86

**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.”

mcaj22 · 06-28-2013, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Tennessee added LeVitre and Warmack, so if anything, their running game should be improved. Jacksonville has a new coaching staff and defensive philosophy. They may not be much improved in terms of record but they won't likely be a pushover.

Regardless, it's always difficult to sweep your divisional opponents. The Texans, for instance, have never won in Indy.

And we haven't beaten the Raiders convincingly in what seems like 10 years.

Rasputin · 06-28-2013, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

You're logic is ridiculously flawed.

It has NOTHING to do with being a "Homer". It has to do with the fact that you don't like this move, only because the Chiefs traded for Matt Cassel and Trent Green.

It has NOTHING to do with the fact the there's a new head coach and coaching staff, a new GM and scouting staff and both new offensive and defensive philosophies.

You're just stuck on something that is completely irrelevant and clearly doesn't take into the fact that there was NO ONE available on the free agent market or the draft (despite your undying love for a second round QB that's completely flawed).

You've bought into GoChiefs' flawed narrative. Period.

You were most certainly wrong about how the NFL viewed Geno Smith. Before that gigantic mess, I had absolutely no idea you even existed in this forum.

0-1.

I didn't buy into anything GoChiefs has said. I've wanted the Chiefs to draft a QBotf for over 25 years. I didn't want Joe Freaking Montana and I sure the hell didn't want Alex Smith. I'm sold on the idea of building a championship team by drafting a quarterback and going with him. I was wrong about how the NFL viewed Geno Smith, doesn't mean he wont turn out to be a good quarterback after a few seasons. The NFL has time and time been wrong about players.

I have a belief in build the team in the draft & start with the quarterback. I agree this was a weak sauce draft class to do that but doesn't change I'd rather take a chance on a prospect than an 8 year vet that has a hard time staying healthy each year. Trent Green was only good 3 out of the 5 years he was here maybe can count 4 years. He got hurt and that is what I expect to happen with Alex Smith.

This new regime has to prove me wrong before I believe anything else.

Call me jaded.

Marcellus · 06-28-2013, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaj22

And we haven't beaten the Raiders convincingly in what seems like 10 years.

Same FO, same coaches, same players, same offense, same defense, same mindset.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-28-2013, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

I have a belief in build the team in the draft & start with the quarterback. I agree this was a weak sauce draft class to do that but doesn't change I'd rather take a chance on a prospect than an 8 year vet that has a hard time staying healthy each year.

I'm sorry but this is just plain dumb.

You admit that this was a weak QB class, yet you'd rather made a reach for a guy that won't be ready to be a successful NFL QB anytime soon (if ever) and waste two to three years of your best players careers, in order to fulfill some mantra?

That is utterly ridiculous.

The 2013 Chiefs didn't pass on Ryan Tannehill or RGIII or Andrew Luck. They didn't pass on Cam Newton or Sam Bradford or Matthew Stafford or Matt Ryan. They passed on guys with serious questions that will require serious development before they have any business stepping on a football field.

Your "logic" is completely flawed.

duncan_idaho · 06-28-2013, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

Tom Brady is still the quarterback in New England. Its still safe to pencil them in as a contender.

But who needs a franchise QB, right?

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-28-2013, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

Tom Brady is still the quarterback in New England. Its still safe to pencil them in as a contender.

If they were in any other division my answer would be no.

The Dolphins have a good chance to surprise this year.

Rasputin · 06-28-2013, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

I'm sorry but this is just plain dumb.

You admit that this was a weak QB class, yet you'd rather made a reach for a guy that won't be ready to be a successful NFL QB anytime soon (if ever) and waste two to three years of your best players careers, in order to fulfill some mantra?

That utterly ridiculous.

The 2013 Chiefs didn't pass on Ryan Tannehill or RGIII or Andrew Luck. They didn't pass on Cam Newton or Sam Bradford or Matthew Stafford or Matt Ryan. They passed on guys with serious questions and guys that will need serious development before they have any business stepping on a football field.

Your "logic" is completely flawed.

The Chiefs have been on a "win now" philosophy ever since Carl Peterson took over & still today. How has that got us any more wins in the playoffs that lead us to the Super Bowl?

It won't happen any quicker your way.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-28-2013, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

But who needs a franchise QB, right?

This is disingenuous.

Tom Brady isn't just a franchise QB, he's a future Hall of Famer with three Super Bowl rings and five appearances.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-28-2013, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

The Chiefs have been on a "win now" philosophy ever since Carl Peterson took over & still today. How has that got us any more wins in the playoffs that lead us to the Super Bowl?

What's the one constant throughout all of these years?

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

It won't happen any quicker your way.

It's not "My way", you drooling Mongoloid, it was this franchise's best opportunity to compete in 2013.

Rasputin · 06-28-2013, 01:18 PM

I will be happy to be proven wrong Dane by the Chiefs this season. They need to prove it to me on the field win in the playoffs and give me a reason to think Alex Smith was worth the draft picks we gave up. Until then I'm not happy and wont be happy about going with Alex Smith.

All I ask is that this doesn't turn out the same as all the other retread quarterbacks we have seen the past 25 years.

NFL franchises are wrong all the time about players until that player turns out to be good or not. I look at things as a fan perspective I'm not coaching these guys. It's on them to prove me wrong.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-28-2013, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

I will be happy to be proven wrong Dane by the Chiefs this season. They need to prove it to me on the field win in the playoffs and give me a reason to think Alex Smith was worth the draft picks we gave up. Until then I'm not happy and wont be happy about going with Alex Smith.

All I ask is that this doesn't turn out the same as all the other retread quarterbacks we have seen the past 25 years.

NFL franchises are wrong all the time about players until that player turns out to be good or not. I look at things as a fan perspective I'm not coaching these guys. It's on them to prove me wrong.

So, we get to read in each every post how much you disliked the trade and wanted Geno Smith until next January?

Awesome. It's so original and enlightening.

mcaj22 · 06-28-2013, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

Same FO, same coaches, same players, same offense, same defense, same mindset.

did you say this in 2009 too?

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-28-2013, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaj22

did you say this in 2009 too?

Mutually exclusive

Chris Meck · 06-28-2013, 01:31 PM

you know, since you whiny assholes are always dead, dead ****ing wrong, I'm kind of expecting Alex to kick ass. I mean, that would truly be the past foreshadowing the present.

Rasputin · 06-28-2013, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Meck

you know, since you whiny assholes are always dead, dead ****ing wrong, I'm kind of expecting Alex to kick ass. I mean, that would truly be the past foreshadowing the present.

Good I hope so. Super Bowl to the ship.

06-05-2013, 06:26 PM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $862813	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: 42,101

06-28-2013, 01:18 PM	#1285
Rasputin Tip of the hat LIV Champs Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: ks Casino cash: $3445421	I will be happy to be proven wrong Dane by the Chiefs this season. They need to prove it to me on the field win in the playoffs and give me a reason to think Alex Smith was worth the draft picks we gave up. Until then I'm not happy and wont be happy about going with Alex Smith. All I ask is that this doesn't turn out the same as all the other retread quarterbacks we have seen the past 25 years. NFL franchises are wrong all the time about players until that player turns out to be good or not. I look at things as a fan perspective I'm not coaching these guys. It's on them to prove me wrong. __________________ A Brave Man Once Requested Me To Answer Questions That Are Key 'Is It To Be Or Not To Be' And I Replied Oh Why Ask Me
Posts: 54,965

06-28-2013, 01:31 PM	#1289
Chris Meck MVP Join Date: May 2001 Location: midtown KC Casino cash: $1884910	you know, since you whiny assholes are always dead, dead ****ing wrong, I'm kind of expecting Alex to kick ass. I mean, that would truly be the past foreshadowing the present.
Posts: 17,534