Chiefs As Patrick Mahomes settles in, a little discomfort is serving Chiefs’ Alex Smith well - Page 4

**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.”

**ptlyon** · 08-22-2017, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnV

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.

Normally I would give you my condolences that he is a Chiefs fan. But after we went up and got Mahomes my attitude has finally changed. Maybe this organization has finally figured out how to actually go out and contend for championships.

Sandy Vagina · 08-22-2017, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJChiefsFan

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.

Why compound making more something out of the nothing? Read it again.

To me, it seemed like a bit of a harmless contradiction.. so I asked. No venom. No malice. Just a question.. because it seemed as if he was far more focused on what he wanted vs what his kids (age undetermined at that time) perhaps wanted.

No big deal. Sorry to have set off your mod-like radar about nothing important.

Rasputin · 08-22-2017, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJChiefsFan

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.

To clarify a son and two daughters to enjoy family time. It's a treat to go to Kansas City for the weekend do some Christmas shopping and partake in a Chiefs game because it's fun. I agree NJChiefsFan I really didn't think I needed to explain what I meant.

I don't like Alex Smith didn't go last year because of Alex Smith but I want to go this year for a chance that Patrick Mahomes II may end up playing that game worth a shot & enjoy time with my kids if he plays or not, but if it weren't for my kids I wouldn't go at all this year.

My girls aren't into football but they will go because they had fun last time I took them although half the stadium was filled with Steeler fans and we barely pulled off the victory. It sure helped that Ben Rothlesburger didn't play that day and then we went on a 10 game win streak. Kids 23,20 & 16 still think it was our going to that game that started our win streak.

**Lzen** · 08-22-2017, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hog Rider

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

**Lzen** · 08-22-2017, 08:42 AM

KC Tattoo,
I gotta say that I get tired of seeing all the constant Alex Smith bitching. However, I completely understand. IMO, Smith is a decent QB. He's not Cassel like some would suggest. But he sure as Hell isn't ever getting this team to the next level.

I was at the playoff game last year against the Steelers and I was so pissed off after that. I vowed to never go to another Chiefs game until they addressed the glaring deficiency at the QB position. To my delight, they did that in the draft. I realize that Smith will probably play all of this season. But knowing that the future is bright and that the Chiefs are actually trying is enough to bring me back.

NJChiefsFan · 08-22-2017, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandy Cheeks

Why compound making more something out of the nothing? Read it again.

To me, it seemed like a bit of a harmless contradiction.. so I asked. No venom. No malice. Just a question.. because it seemed as if he was far more focused on what he wanted vs what his kids (age undetermined at that time) perhaps wanted.

No big deal. Sorry to have set off your mod-like radar about nothing important.

It seemed like you were making something out of nothing. No malice here either. Just curious what you were going for.

NJChiefsFan · 08-22-2017, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

To clarify a son and two daughters to enjoy family time. It's a treat to go to Kansas City for the weekend do some Christmas shopping and partake in a Chiefs game because it's fun. I agree NJChiefsFan I really didn't think I needed to explain what I meant.

I don't like Alex Smith didn't go last year because of Alex Smith but I want to go this year for a chance that Patrick Mahomes II may end up playing that game worth a shot & enjoy time with my kids if he plays or not, but if it weren't for my kids I wouldn't go at all this year.

My girls aren't into football but they will go because they had fun last time I took them although half the stadium was filled with Steeler fans and we barely pulled off the victory. It sure helped that Ben Rothlesburger didn't play that day and then we went on a 10 game win streak. Kids 23,20 & 16 still think it was our going to that game that started our win streak.

Look at me just assuming it was boys and not girls.

Sandy Vagina · 08-22-2017, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJChiefsFan

It seemed like you were making something out of nothing. No malice here either. Just curious what you were going for.

which is why in my post, you can clearly see my typed words.. emphasis on "more" something out of nothing.

Anyway, I hope I answered your curiosity.. as he did mine.

Rasputin · 08-22-2017, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJChiefsFan

Look at me just assuming it was boys and not girls.

It's all good I didn't intend to bring up two are girls because I know how horndogish the pervs are here but I'm not worried about them they can handle themselves quite well

The funny part when I took them couple years ago I told them to be sure to yell CHIEFS at HOME OF THE... They didn't believe me but now they want to do it and yell CHIEFS

Rasputin · 08-22-2017, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lzen

KC Tattoo,
I gotta say that I get tired of seeing all the constant Alex Smith bitching. However, I completely understand. IMO, Smith is a decent QB. He's not Cassel like some would suggest. But he sure as Hell isn't ever getting this team to the next level.

I was at the playoff game last year against the Steelers and I was so pissed off after that. I vowed to never go to another Chiefs game until they addressed the glaring deficiency at the QB position. To my delight, they did that in the draft. I realize that Smith will probably play all of this season. But knowing that the future is bright and that the Chiefs are actually trying is enough to bring me back.

I get tired of bitching about Alex lol but it stems from all the retread quarterbacks we've had never mind he is like the 6th or 7th 9er retread quarterback we've had in 30 years so ya it's old. If he does good then great more power to him doesn't mean I'm going trust him anymore.

Right now I'm just too excited for our young prospect that I'm thankful for so I can justify going to a Chiefs game on the notion he may play and very likely he wont' but like I said worth a shot to see history in the making.

Marcellus · 08-22-2017, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lzen

KC Tattoo,
I gotta say that I get tired of seeing all the constant Alex Smith bitching. However, I completely understand. IMO, Smith is a decent QB. He's not Cassel like some would suggest. But he sure as Hell isn't ever getting this team to the next level.

I was at the playoff game last year against the Steelers and I was so pissed off after that. I vowed to never go to another Chiefs game until they addressed the glaring deficiency at the QB position. To my delight, they did that in the draft. I realize that Smith will probably play all of this season. But knowing that the future is bright and that the Chiefs are actually trying is enough to bring me back.

Bingo. A number 1 post, would read again.

MMXcalibur · 08-22-2017, 10:16 AM

Glad we're back to the days of Tribal Warfare posting articles in the morning for daily digestion.

**Dartgod** · 08-22-2017, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cooper barrett

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.

Who in the **** calls him Alex11?

Well, there is one other person here that has done that in the past.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandy Cheeks

have already stripped the Alex11 shirt off and tossed it back in the trash....

that's when they started their comeback last week, lol

KINGPIN CHIEFS FAN · 08-22-2017, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Molitoth

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

Yeah he's the Marty Schottenheimer of quarterbacks!

Sandy Vagina · 08-22-2017, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dartgod

Who in the **** calls him Alex11?

Well, there is one other person here that has done that in the past.

not my multi, and not true..

I have called him AS11.. never Alex11. I'd have no idea how to create a mult, and would have no reason to.

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, 08:42 AM	#50
Lzen Banded Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Oz Casino cash: $-659308	KC Tattoo, I gotta say that I get tired of seeing all the constant Alex Smith bitching. However, I completely understand. IMO, Smith is a decent QB. He's not Cassel like some would suggest. But he sure as Hell isn't ever getting this team to the next level. I was at the playoff game last year against the Steelers and I was so pissed off after that. I vowed to never go to another Chiefs game until they addressed the glaring deficiency at the QB position. To my delight, they did that in the draft. I realize that Smith will probably play all of this season. But knowing that the future is bright and that the Chiefs are actually trying is enough to bring me back. __________________ Conversation would be vastly improved by the constant use of four simple words: I do not know.
Posts: 42,484

08-22-2017, 10:16 AM	#57
MMXcalibur Pessimistically optimistic. Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Denver, CO Casino cash: $-144914	Glad we're back to the days of Tribal Warfare posting articles in the morning for daily digestion.
Posts: 16,747