Cleveland Browns and Alex Smith? A closer look -- Terry Pluto
 

http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/index...x_smith_a.html


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CLEVELAND, Ohio -- As if the Cleveland Browns needed another reason to go after Alex Smith, consider this from Profootballfocus:

"One of the surprises of the season, Smith became the league's most efficient deep thrower, finishing first in adjusted completion percentage and yards while tying for first with 12 touchdowns.

"After generally ranking near the bottom in deep passing attempts in years past, a more aggressive approach had Smith ranked 11th with 12.3 percent of his attempts going deep this season. All told, it helped to pay off as he posted a career-high PFF grade."

I've always considered Smith a "game manager" style quarterback who also has the ability to run for first downs.

At best, I thought his arm strength was average.

Maybe it's average -- but he's finding ways to get the ball downfield to open receivers.

Of course, the Browns would have to secure some better receivers -- another job for new general manager John Dorsey.

It's common knowledge Dorsey likes the 33-year-old Smith. Trading for the veteran quarterback was one of his first moves after taking over the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013.

The Chiefs season ended Saturday after they blew a 21-3 lead to the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Wild Card game. The Titans came back to win, 22-21.

Had the Chiefs advanced deep into the playoffs, they probably would have been more likely to keep Smith.

Instead, they might turn to Patrick Mahomes. He was picked No. 10 in the 2017 draft ... by Dorsey. That was a month before he was fired as general manager of the Chiefs.

The Chiefs have Smith under contract for 2018 for $17 million. Kansas City also has some salary cap problems, another reason Smith could be traded.

Given the Browns have more than $100 million of salary cap room, that's no barrier for them.

The question would be what type of draft picks the Chiefs would want in return.

And Browns fans know, their favorite team has oodles of picks -- including three in the second round of 2018.

WHY SMITH?

Some things to consider about Smith:

1. He is the anti-DeShone Kizer. In the last three years covering 46 games, he has thrown 20 interceptions. Kizer threw 21 interceptions in 15 games this season.

2. Smith has lost six fumbles in the last four years. Kizer lost six fumbles in 15 games this season.

3. Smith has a 50-26 record in five years with the Chiefs. For his career, he is 88-62-1. Is he great? No. Can he win a lot of regular season games? Absolutely!

4. Besides the money, why would the Chiefs deal Smith? He's had problems in the playoffs. He is 1-4 in the postseason. He's not played that poorly: 65 percent completions, nine TDs compared to two interceptions in five games. But the Chefs could not make a real Super Bowl run.

5. Smith has become a victim of rising expectations in Kansas City. The Chiefs were 2-14 the season before he arrived. He helped turn them into a playoff team. But the goal is the Super Bowl, and January has been a cruel month for the Chiefs because of the playoffs.

6. Smith is very durable. He has missed only four games in five years with the Chiefs.

7. Smith would give the Browns an experienced, smart quarterback who is coming off the best season of his 12-year career. The Browns have not had a player like him since they returned in 1999.

8. Turnovers destroyed the Browns in several games last season. Adding Smith would cut them dramatically.

9. Several teams will be after Smith. Possible places for him include Denver, Arizona, the New York Jets and perhaps Jacksonville or Buffalo.

10. The more you look at Smith and how he fits with the Browns, the more attractive he becomes in an orange helmet.

Tl;dr.
Is he gone yet?

3, 7 and 8 are the important numbers.

They are a playoff team with Smith IMO.

They are in the cat bird seat.

Tons of cap room. Tons of picks.

They can get Smith and draft a QB of the future, AND still add top talent in this draft. insane!

No but lets hope it's the Browns Tiger's meltdown would be amazing.

SF to KC to CLE.

That's a downward trajectory if I've ever seen one.

Smith shits the bed every time he plays the Steelers.

I still think the browns would miss the play offs AFCN plays hard smash mouth football in cold weather.

Smith would crack under the pressure.

A 1st and a 3rd !

a fitting end for a mediocre QB.

Well Dorsey you heard the man, make it happen

Give Cleveland an A effort offseason capped by signing Smith, and drag their sorry asses up off the mat

If you dont love any QBs coming out this year, Smith not only gives you a dependable 2-3 year guy, but also buys you time to evaluate Kizer as the #2... and you can revisit the new rookie QB scenario in a year or two

Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaas.

It is the wisest Choice, Cleveland. Your fan base is already prepared.

REP!

I think the main point, is that he makes them respectable overnight. Is he going to dominate the Steelers no. But maybe they draft Barkley too and ply physical. Its not all on Alex.

Oh and Alex was 19/34 for 246 and a TD. That's not shitting the bed.

The difference between Browns fan's and Chiefs fans is astounding.

A ton of fans were pissed when the chiefs traded for Alex and got another retread.

Browns fans just want to get a few wins under their belt anyway they can.