Chiefs As Patrick Mahomes settles in, a little discomfort is serving Chiefs’ Alex Smith well - Page 3

**Tribal Warfare** · 08-21-2017, 02:56 PM

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl...168429397.html

As Patrick Mahomes settles in, a little discomfort is serving Chiefs’ Alex Smith well

BY BLAIR KERKHOFF

During his first four years with the Chiefs, quarterback Alex Smith was the unequivocal starter. That doesn’t change as he begins his fifth season, as Andy Reid emphasized Monday.

“It’s Alex’s job,” Reid said. “That’s what it is. There’s no gray area with that.”

But the circumstances are different.

Previous backup quarterbacks in the Reid era, guys like Chase Daniel and Nick Foles, weren’t being groomed as Smith’s successor. Patrick Mahomes is, and that changes the dynamic of the position.

Mahomes, who was shifted from third to second team after the Chiefs first preseason game, is on an upward track. There is more of a push at the position, and assistant head coach Brad Childress finds nothing wrong with that.

“Alex Smith has done a great job,” Childress said during training camp in St. Joseph last week. “If you look through the past four years, it’s been fairly comfortable for him. It’s not bad getting uncomfortable. You draft a guy, you look for somebody who can push, and I think it helps everybody up their game.

“Competition only makes you better. If we can create it, we’re trying to. Healthy competition is a good thing, and I think we have great, healthy competition in that quarterback room.”

Reid thinks that’s one reason why Smith raised his game during training camp.

“There’s more competition than before by the nature of it, and as a result I think he’s come out with his best camp,” Reid said.

Smith’s performance in the Chiefs’ first two preseason games is another indication. He played one series in the opener against the 49ers and engineered a touchdown drive. His two possessions last weekend at Cincinnati produced a field goal and touchdown pass. In those two games, Smith is 12 for 15 with a passer rating of 125.3.

Mahomes has generated his own buzz with his performance — he’s 17 of 23 for 137 yards through two games, with three touchdowns and no interceptions — especially after leading the first-team offense to a touchdown at Cincinnati.

Smith has been complimentary of Mahomes, suggesting that the Texas Tech rookie was more advanced in certain areas than he was a rookie.

Smith, 33, is beginning his 13th NFL season and coming off a year when he set a career best for yards (3,502) and his 91.2 passer rating was above his career mark. He’s under contract through 2018.

Smith has always been Reid’s quarterback in Kansas City. But plans had to be made for the future.

“Unfortunately, age comes into this thing,” Reid said. “You get old in this business. At one time (Smith) was the young up-and-comer. That doesn’t mean you’re going to be replaced tomorrow.

“But this is what’s real. You’re not as young as you used to be, so you bring a guy in, and this thing keeps position. It’s life.

“He treats (Mahomes) him well, and we’re not asking him to do this. That’s not his job. We’re asking him to go wins games and be the best he can be. But they talk. There’s an open communication there that’s healthy.”

Smith said he hasn’t approached this season differently than previous ones in Kansas City or San Francisco, where he spent his first eight seasons.

“It’s no different,” Smith said “For me, it’s just kind of being myself. I’m going out there and playing and trying to take advantage of my reps and myself for the season as best I can.”

But Smith isn’t going to withhold help from Mahomes, even if he is the heir apparent.

“Certainly, I’ve been through a lot,” Smith said. “So if there’s something I can help with or see, I am not going to hesitate to vocalize.”

As a Texas Tech sophomore, Mahomes beat out the returning starter for the job. When the Chiefs made him the No. 10 overall draft selection, Mahomes and his camp were thrilled not just because he was going to a winning team, but because he’d be playing for a head coach with a reputation for developing quarterbacks, and the fact that he’d get to work alongside Smith.

Unlike the other first-round quarterbacks selected — Mitchell Trubisky of the Bears, and the Texans’ Deshaun Watson — Mahomes had the advantage of working with and observing a seasoned veteran who has won playoff games and been named to Pro Bowl teams.

What has Mahomes learned from Smith?

“Just how efficient he is,” Mahomes said. “It seems like he always has a plan. ‘If they play this defense, I’m going to go here. If they play that defense I’m going there…’ and how he can get himself out of certain situations. It’s something you learn from him every time you watch it.

“Really, it’s a great relationship. Just having him in front of me, you can’t even explain how much he teaches me on the sidelines. He’s always helping me out. And at the same time, we’re pushing each other to be better every single day.”

**LoneWolf** · 08-22-2017, 04:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

I don't plan to go to a Chiefs game unless I know for sure Patrick Mahomes II is starting. Well I'm wanting go to a Chiefs game anyways but hoping Mahomes II will start betime we play San Diego er I mean Lost Angeles Chargers at Arrowhead late game on Saturday night in December.

Never been to a night game and I want to see Kansas City Christmas lights and make it a Christmas shopping weekend with my kids.

Even though Alex Smith is having a good TC & preseason campaign it's hard to imagine he keeps it up all season & he will be reverting to his old self. Hell he had to settle for a field goal because he didn't have the gumptious nature that Patrick has so it wont take much for him to continue his lackluster ways. He wont' keep his job not making this offense work and leaving it all up to the defense. I don't care what Andy Reid says in August, November and December are the months Chiefs will be wanting test Mahomes out if Alex Smith starts to falter.

I can also see Andy Reid giving the fans on Monday Night Football October 30th against the Broncos a glimps or a cock tease & have a few special plays designed for Patrick Mahomes II to instill. I don't put nothing past Andy Reid.

You need to get this out of your head. Barring an Alex Smith injury, Mahomes isn't starting any games this season.

Rasputin · 08-22-2017, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoneWolf

You need to get this out of your head. Barring an Alex Smith injury, Mahomes isn't starting any games this season.

Then the only reason to go to a Chief game is a fair well to see Dustin Colquitt punting and setting up hidden touchdowns. Next year Dustin wont' be getting on the field so much as Patrick Mahomes II will keep drives alive.

I only want to go to a Chiefs game for my kids and it's a fun atmosphere especially winning ball games but not to go see Alex Smith . He makes me not want to go.

I'm going hold out possibilities Patrick gets some playing time this year just so I can have something to look forward too.

**Buehler445** · 08-22-2017, 05:34 AM

Thanks for posting TW. That's a good read.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

It's a nice problem to have. The Chiefs having two capable starters. Not going to complain. I remember when the Chiefs had zero capable starting QBs

I'm pretty sure that number is negative. Somehow. We had negative capable QBs on the roster.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 08-22-2017, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RealSNR

Sorry dude, but just no. I don't care how nice his disposition or personality is. He'd be a giant distraction in the formative years of Mahomes' career.

And even in the unlikely instance that he's willing to take a paycut and play backup, the dude would be way too expensive both in terms of $$$ and the fact that we wouldn't receive any draft pick compensation through trade.

When Mahomes eventually takes over, Smith has to get the **** out. No exceptions. Zero.

Just...let them have their idiotic fantasy.

It's going to make the crushing blow all the sweeter.

Rasputin · 08-22-2017, 05:55 AM

“Unfortunately, age comes into this thing,” Reid said. “You get old in this business. At one time (Smith) was the young up-and-comer. That doesn’t mean you’re going to be replaced tomorrow.

“But this is what’s real. You’re not as young as you used to be, so you bring a guy in, and this thing keeps position. It’s life.

This maybe Alex Smith season at least to start the season, I mean it is what have you done for me lately in any job. So if he doesn't go out and preform to expectations then he is replaceable and that is why they went out and traded up 17 spots for Patrick Mahomes II. If he is ahead of schedule and Alex continues to be a wiener it really doesn't matter what Coach says at the start of the season things change. Now if Alex Smith continues what he is doing in preseason then for rights he will undoubtedly keep his job. I think he will come out playing his best ball but how long will he keep it up is the question before he goes back into a shell after a sack or int?

cooper barrett · 08-22-2017, 07:01 AM

I have said in the recent past that Alex11 has been given a set of objectives to master in able to play better football which I am sure means making the long passes ands threading the needle. Either alex11 will put 110% in and make the plays he used to scrub or we have someone who can. from everything we have heard he is doing great work. If he doesn't up his game then he will be let go by the Chiefs as soon playoffs begin and probably not have much value (certainly not $17 to $20M a year post Chiefs) to another team for his last few years.

He now is in a special place where he has been before (well not exactly). He hopefully takes control and gives 110% to the challenges the coaches have given him. If not it's 1 year contracts and new teams every year. He has a lot of reasons to play hard and find ways to win this year so he can either stay with the Chiefs (NADA) or get a nice multi year contract with some guaranteed income.

The Chiefs could offer him a contract for 2018 depending on if he wins the AFC or better yet the SB but most likely he will be traded for salary cap reductions and draft picks. He knows it and I think you will see the best effort from Alex11 we have ever seen this season. He is highly motivated as a great season is his best bet for gainful employment after this season in the NFL.

Sandy Vagina · 08-22-2017, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

I only want to go to a Chiefs game for my kids and it's a fun atmosphere especially winning ball games but not to go see Alex Smith . He makes me not want to go. .

So which is it? is going to the game for... you? .. or your kids? Or let me guess. They are plenty old enough to know that Alex sucks too?

**New World Order** · 08-22-2017, 07:32 AM

Hopefully we'll see Mahomes after the bye.

Stryker · 08-22-2017, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RealSNR

Why the **** would you applaud a 3-year extension for Smith, you ****ing idiot?

You just answered your own question!

Rasputin · 08-22-2017, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandy Cheeks

So which is it? is going to the game for... you? .. or your kids? Or let me guess. They are plenty old enough to know that Alex sucks too?

My son is 16 and yes he thinks Alex Smith sucks.

**ptlyon** · 08-22-2017, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

My son is 16 and yes he thinks Alex Smith sucks.

Smart kid! Has he started college yet?

Rasputin · 08-22-2017, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptlyon

Smart kid! Has he started college yet?

Not yet, but he is a smart kid and thanks

Rasputin · 08-22-2017, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptlyon

Smart kid! Has he started college yet?

He is smart he told me two weeks before the draft he liked Patrick Mahomes II the best because he watched the combine and all that stuff. He knows his players pretty well. He pointed out some of the players at TC that I didn't know. So yeah I think he has some football smarts.

JohnV · 08-22-2017, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hog Rider

What're Kap's numbers this pre-season?

Krap has 16 tds in his last 11 starts throwing to trash cans.

You have to combine Alex starts from last year and this preseason to get 16 tds.

Also has higher career passer rating, more playoff wins, and has been as deep as Smith has ever been in playoffs twice.

Krap is no longer playing, so that gives perspective on what a POS Alex is.

NJChiefsFan · 08-22-2017, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandy Cheeks

So which is it? is going to the game for... you? .. or your kids? Or let me guess. They are plenty old enough to know that Alex sucks too?

What is wrong with that sentence? I don't see how what he said implies it's about him wanting to go to the game. It's about him wanting to bring his sons to the game.

I only want what is best for my kids.

I only want to go so I can feed the hungry.

08-21-2017, 02:56 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2977187	As Patrick Mahomes settles in, a little discomfort is serving Chiefs’ Alex Smith well http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl...168429397.html As Patrick Mahomes settles in, a little discomfort is serving Chiefs’ Alex Smith well BY BLAIR KERKHOFF During his first four years with the Chiefs, quarterback Alex Smith was the unequivocal starter. That doesn’t change as he begins his fifth season, as Andy Reid emphasized Monday. “It’s Alex’s job,” Reid said. “That’s what it is. There’s no gray area with that.” But the circumstances are different. Previous backup quarterbacks in the Reid era, guys like Chase Daniel and Nick Foles, weren’t being groomed as Smith’s successor. Patrick Mahomes is, and that changes the dynamic of the position. Mahomes, who was shifted from third to second team after the Chiefs first preseason game, is on an upward track. There is more of a push at the position, and assistant head coach Brad Childress finds nothing wrong with that. “Alex Smith has done a great job,” Childress said during training camp in St. Joseph last week. “If you look through the past four years, it’s been fairly comfortable for him. It’s not bad getting uncomfortable. You draft a guy, you look for somebody who can push, and I think it helps everybody up their game. “Competition only makes you better. If we can create it, we’re trying to. Healthy competition is a good thing, and I think we have great, healthy competition in that quarterback room.” Reid thinks that’s one reason why Smith raised his game during training camp. “There’s more competition than before by the nature of it, and as a result I think he’s come out with his best camp,” Reid said. Smith’s performance in the Chiefs’ first two preseason games is another indication. He played one series in the opener against the 49ers and engineered a touchdown drive. His two possessions last weekend at Cincinnati produced a field goal and touchdown pass. In those two games, Smith is 12 for 15 with a passer rating of 125.3. Mahomes has generated his own buzz with his performance — he’s 17 of 23 for 137 yards through two games, with three touchdowns and no interceptions — especially after leading the first-team offense to a touchdown at Cincinnati. Smith has been complimentary of Mahomes, suggesting that the Texas Tech rookie was more advanced in certain areas than he was a rookie. Smith, 33, is beginning his 13th NFL season and coming off a year when he set a career best for yards (3,502) and his 91.2 passer rating was above his career mark. He’s under contract through 2018. Smith has always been Reid’s quarterback in Kansas City. But plans had to be made for the future. “Unfortunately, age comes into this thing,” Reid said. “You get old in this business. At one time (Smith) was the young up-and-comer. That doesn’t mean you’re going to be replaced tomorrow. “But this is what’s real. You’re not as young as you used to be, so you bring a guy in, and this thing keeps position. It’s life. “He treats (Mahomes) him well, and we’re not asking him to do this. That’s not his job. We’re asking him to go wins games and be the best he can be. But they talk. There’s an open communication there that’s healthy.” Smith said he hasn’t approached this season differently than previous ones in Kansas City or San Francisco, where he spent his first eight seasons. “It’s no different,” Smith said “For me, it’s just kind of being myself. I’m going out there and playing and trying to take advantage of my reps and myself for the season as best I can.” But Smith isn’t going to withhold help from Mahomes, even if he is the heir apparent. “Certainly, I’ve been through a lot,” Smith said. “So if there’s something I can help with or see, I am not going to hesitate to vocalize.” As a Texas Tech sophomore, Mahomes beat out the returning starter for the job. When the Chiefs made him the No. 10 overall draft selection, Mahomes and his camp were thrilled not just because he was going to a winning team, but because he’d be playing for a head coach with a reputation for developing quarterbacks, and the fact that he’d get to work alongside Smith. Unlike the other first-round quarterbacks selected — Mitchell Trubisky of the Bears, and the Texans’ Deshaun Watson — Mahomes had the advantage of working with and observing a seasoned veteran who has won playoff games and been named to Pro Bowl teams. What has Mahomes learned from Smith? “Just how efficient he is,” Mahomes said. “It seems like he always has a plan. ‘If they play this defense, I’m going to go here. If they play that defense I’m going there…’ and how he can get himself out of certain situations. It’s something you learn from him every time you watch it. “Really, it’s a great relationship. Just having him in front of me, you can’t even explain how much he teaches me on the sidelines. He’s always helping me out. And at the same time, we’re pushing each other to be better every single day.”
Posts: 43,452

08-22-2017, 05:55 AM	#35
Rasputin Tip of the hat LIV Champs Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: ks Casino cash: $55421	“Unfortunately, age comes into this thing,” Reid said. “You get old in this business. At one time (Smith) was the young up-and-comer. That doesn’t mean you’re going to be replaced tomorrow. “But this is what’s real. You’re not as young as you used to be, so you bring a guy in, and this thing keeps position. It’s life. This maybe Alex Smith season at least to start the season, I mean it is what have you done for me lately in any job. So if he doesn't go out and preform to expectations then he is replaceable and that is why they went out and traded up 17 spots for Patrick Mahomes II. If he is ahead of schedule and Alex continues to be a wiener it really doesn't matter what Coach says at the start of the season things change. Now if Alex Smith continues what he is doing in preseason then for rights he will undoubtedly keep his job. I think he will come out playing his best ball but how long will he keep it up is the question before he goes back into a shell after a sack or int? __________________ "Those who don't believe in magic will never find it"
Posts: 56,928

08-22-2017, 07:01 AM	#36
cooper barrett MVP Join Date: Aug 2017 Casino cash: $10000400	I have said in the recent past that Alex11 has been given a set of objectives to master in able to play better football which I am sure means making the long passes ands threading the needle. Either alex11 will put 110% in and make the plays he used to scrub or we have someone who can. from everything we have heard he is doing great work. If he doesn't up his game then he will be let go by the Chiefs as soon playoffs begin and probably not have much value (certainly not $17 to $20M a year post Chiefs) to another team for his last few years. He now is in a special place where he has been before (well not exactly). He hopefully takes control and gives 110% to the challenges the coaches have given him. If not it's 1 year contracts and new teams every year. He has a lot of reasons to play hard and find ways to win this year so he can either stay with the Chiefs (NADA) or get a nice multi year contract with some guaranteed income. The Chiefs could offer him a contract for 2018 depending on if he wins the AFC or better yet the SB but most likely he will be traded for salary cap reductions and draft picks. He knows it and I think you will see the best effort from Alex11 we have ever seen this season. He is highly motivated as a great season is his best bet for gainful employment after this season in the NFL.
Posts: 13,669

08-22-2017, 07:32 AM	#38
New World Order Choco Favre Join Date: Jul 2012 Casino cash: $-1215235	Hopefully we'll see Mahomes after the bye.
Posts: 32,233