Chiefs As Patrick Mahomes settles in, a little discomfort is serving Chiefs’ Alex Smith well - Page 2

**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.”

Deberg_1990 · 08-21-2017, 04:17 PM

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

eDave · 08-21-2017, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Molitoth

BECAUSE ALL HE DOES IS WIN GAMES!!!!!!!!!!

Decent backup if he's willing.

Halfcan · 08-21-2017, 05:14 PM

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

And don't forget those 15 TD's.

Pretty sure if Mahomes was forced to start this year, he would break this paltry numbers by mid season.

**RealSNR** · 08-21-2017, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eDave

Decent backup if he's willing.

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.

Hog Rider · 08-21-2017, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BWillie

Alex Smiff career rating 85.3
Colin Kaepernick career rating 88.9

Alex Smiff also 30th last year in 3rd down percentage.

These are facts.

Not saying I want Kaepernick, but I was floored when I saw his rating was higher than Alex Smiffs for career.

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

eDave · 08-21-2017, 06:14 PM

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.

Poorly framed joke.

**Bugeater** · 08-21-2017, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RealSNR

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

Because he's a ****ing idiot?

**HemiEd** · 08-21-2017, 06:30 PM

At least Blair knows he was the 10th pick and not the 12th.

JakeF · 08-21-2017, 07:17 PM

Alex Smith is probably the best mentor Mahomes could have gotten. Smith is generous with his knowlege and philosophically a very different player. It will help Mahome become a well-rounded player, while Mahomes will help Smith relax and become more aggressive. While Smith is not an elite quarterback, the best player is not always the best teacher. Alex Smith and Patrick Mahomes seem to be a great combination.

stevieray · 08-21-2017, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JakeF

Alex Smith is probably the best mentor Mahomes could have gotten. Smith is generous with his knowlege and philosophically a very different player. It will help Mahome become a well-rounded player, while Mahomes will help Smith relax and become more aggressive. While Smith is not an elite quarterback, the best player is not always the best teacher. Alex Smith and Patrick Mahomes seem to be a great combination.

...and Reid.

...nice take.

Cornstock · 08-21-2017, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JakeF

Alex Smith is probably the best mentor Mahomes could have gotten. Smith is generous with his knowlege and philosophically a very different player. It will help Mahome become a well-rounded player, while Mahomes will help Smith relax and become more aggressive. While Smith is not an elite quarterback, the best player is not always the best teacher. Alex Smith and Patrick Mahomes seem to be a great combination.

This. I was watching on ESPN, Favre was a complete dick to Rogers when they were together. He had no interest in teaching him whatsoever.

penbrook · 08-21-2017, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halfcan

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

And don't forget those 15 TD's.

Pretty sure if Mahomes was forced to start this year, he would break this paltry numbers by mid season.

If Mahomes broke those number mid season your looking at 8 games played. So he would have to throw 438 yards a game. He would also be on pace to set a NFL record in passing yards

**wazu** · 08-21-2017, 10:56 PM

I'm just glad to see Tribal Warfare post something that isn't a Game of Thrones spoiler.

KChiefs1 · 08-21-2017, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hog Farmer

Told you all so, Smith pro bowl year. 3 year extension.

Alex would be an acceptable backup but he'd have to take a pay cut.

Rasputin · 08-21-2017, 11:40 PM

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.

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

08-21-2017, 04:17 PM	#16
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $124454	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 __________________ Originally Posted by Cassel's Reckoning: Matt once made a very nice play in Seattle where he spun away from a pass rusher and hit Bowe off his back foot for a first down. One of the best plays Matt has ever made.
Posts: 68,654

08-21-2017, 05:14 PM	#18
Halfcan In Search of a Life Join Date: Aug 2005 Casino cash: $7327995	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 And don't forget those 15 TD's. Pretty sure if Mahomes was forced to start this year, he would break this paltry numbers by mid season.
Posts: 43,200

08-21-2017, 06:30 PM	#23
HemiEd Supporter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ozarks Casino cash: $-489436	At least Blair knows he was the 10th pick and not the 12th.
Posts: 34,877

08-21-2017, 07:17 PM	#24
JakeF MVP Join Date: May 2017 Casino cash: $9990400	Alex Smith is probably the best mentor Mahomes could have gotten. Smith is generous with his knowlege and philosophically a very different player. It will help Mahome become a well-rounded player, while Mahomes will help Smith relax and become more aggressive. While Smith is not an elite quarterback, the best player is not always the best teacher. Alex Smith and Patrick Mahomes seem to be a great combination.
Posts: 10,605

08-21-2017, 10:56 PM	#28
wazu ... Join Date: May 2002 Location: Kansas City, MO Casino cash: $-1677705 VARSITY	I'm just glad to see Tribal Warfare post something that isn't a Game of Thrones spoiler.
Posts: 30,860

08-21-2017, 11:40 PM	#30
Rasputin Tip of the hat LIV Champs Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: ks Casino cash: $55421	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. __________________ "Those who don't believe in magic will never find it"
Posts: 56,927