Chiefs As Patrick Mahomes settles in, a little discomfort is serving Chiefs’ Alex Smith well - Page 6

**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.”

**RealSNR** · 08-22-2017, 08:46 PM

Alex11? Is that the name of the robot character from a sci-fi movie?

"Zweep zorp. Hello friend-human. I am ALEX-11. I am programmed to set up the punter. Scanning for checkdown options..."

Sweet Daddy Hate · 08-22-2017, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RealSNR

Alex11? Is that the name of the robot character from a sci-fi movie?

"Zweep zorp. Hello friend-human. I am ALEX-11. I am programmed to set up the punter. Scanning for checkdown options..."

Does this robot suck the penis? Because if its based upon Smith, it really needs to suck the penis.

Poorly, of course.

**RealSNR** · 08-22-2017, 09:56 PM

ALEX-11 is the shittier version of HAL-9000. Less features, outdated hardware, and no killer instinct. It just kind of... exists.

cooper barrett · 08-22-2017, 10:02 PM

Rico,

Let me tell you that some of the things you say may be true, but you really should not make negative comments about someones mental state, especially when you are dead wrong. Furthermore: don't reference them to me!

Quoting you
"cooper barrett is you, Sandy. Sorry, but you have no one fooled. To the man behind the computer who created Sandy Cheeks, PLEASE get Sandy under control...he has lost officially lost his marbles and is starting to form multiple personalities!!!! (At least this multiple personality of yours is almost exactly like himself, but STILL!!!)"

That's right you're so far off base that a police dog couldn't catch wind of your ass even after pass foul gas. You are in the wrong county, maybe even state.

I am starting to think that you have an axe to grind with Sandy or someone else in your imagination. ( yes, I could reference your quote again here and just redirect it towards you) That is fine but keep my name out of your #*@%@ bantering!!!!

Wishing I could post a picture of Jack Nicholson in "One Flew Over The Coo Coo Nest" right now...you could borrow it as your avatar.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rico

Try using the search function and you will understand, whistle-britches. When you "search" something, the name of the poster along with the posts show up... So if the term, "Alex11" is searched and the only posts that pop up are posts created by the great, masculine, ruthless Alexsexual warrior Sandy Cheeks, then it is cut and dry...you wrote the post...in all of its intended badassness.

And what would be your motivation to do it? Your very masculine and by no means creepy infatuation with Alex Smith as well as spot-on duplicating your opinion of the guy... cooper barrett's posts read exactly like a Sandy post.

cooper barrett is you, Sandy. Sorry, but you have no one fooled. To the man behind the computer who created Sandy Cheeks, PLEASE get Sandy under control...he has lost officially lost his marbles and is starting to form multiple personalities!!!! (At least this multiple personality of yours is almost exactly like himself, but STILL!!!)

Good detective work by Mr. Dartgod!!!

Reerun_KC · 08-22-2017, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hog Farmer

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

Dumbass

Reerun_KC · 08-22-2017, 10:12 PM

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

Zero? Me too. As recent as last year. Nice to see them step up and draft a legit starter.

Willie Lanier · 08-22-2017, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by threebag02

Not out of the question with a little contract work. Helps that Mahomes is on the rookie contract. Lots of options going forward for the Chiefs. It's really a good position to be in. This organization has been moving in the right direction since Scooter was shit canned. Clark be knocking it out of the park

I legitimately, though I'm not medically qualified, think you may be mentally reeruned...

cooper barrett · 08-22-2017, 10:22 PM

Refer him to Rico, he seems to be diagnosing schizophrenic conditions in other members (or himself), maybe he can help.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willie Lanier

I legitimately, though I'm not medically qualified, think you may be mentally reeruned...

**RealSNR** · 08-22-2017, 10:24 PM

Why are you so upset about this, cooper? rico is just playing around.

Willie Lanier · 08-22-2017, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RealSNR

ALEX-11 is the shittier version of HAL-9000. Less features, outdated hardware, and no killer instinct. It just kind of... exists.

Good god YES!!!

Great reference to the classic 2001 A Space Odyssey

Sweet Daddy Hate · 08-22-2017, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willie Lanier

I legitimately, though I'm not medically qualified, think you may be mentally reeruned...

Think??? I have this clown pegged as grade A, first-class Wichita mongoloid. I'm shocked that it can use a keyboard.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cooper barrett

Refer him to Rico, he seems to be diagnosing schizophrenic conditions in other members (or himself), maybe he can help.

"Sandy", we really need you to take your medicine. I'm afraid that sucking all of the roster's players for Alex to watch and enjoy may have sent your feeble mind to the Cocoa Puff factory.

CoMoChief · 08-22-2017, 10:48 PM

If Alex Smith has an awesome year and wills this team to SB, do you bring him back next season? If the Chiefs win the SB, do you bring him back or just say thanks and move on to the Mahomes era? I think at least scenario #2 would sit better w/ a lot of people, rather than thinking, "what if?"

cooper barrett · 08-22-2017, 10:57 PM

Really

You're ASSuming I am Sandy, you best be calling Sandy out as the "one who sucks the penis" be cause I am not Sandy and I am offended by it. Please make your future references to Sandy and Cocksucking not include my name...

Thx in advance

"Sandy", we really need you to take your medicine. I'm afraid that sucking all of the roster's players for Alex to watch and enjoy may have sent your feeble mind to the Cocoa Puff factory.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweet Daddy Hate

Think??? I have this clown pegged as grade A, first-class Wichita mongoloid. I'm shocked that it can use a keyboard.

"Sandy", we really need you to take your medicine. I'm afraid that sucking all of the roster's players for Alex to watch and enjoy may have sent your feeble mind to the Cocoa Puff factory.

NJChiefsFan · 08-22-2017, 11:11 PM

I mean....

Not sure why people want to spend their free time creating mult accounts to fool around with people on the internet. To each their own I guess but wow.

cooper barrett · 08-22-2017, 11:19 PM

IMHO

He already knows that he is leaving no matter what. He was warned before they picked PMll.

The question is do the Chiefs get a 1st round pick and does Alex11 get a $20M 4 year deal with $40M guaranteed when the divorce happens.

If he doesn't get us there (winning in the real playoffs minimum, he will be playing for a team like the Bills or the Jags (Browns) for 1\2 the money and with no guaranteed cash.

He has himself in a spot between a rock and a hard spot. He is going to put himself out there because of it. I think we have a lot of great football to watch him play this year, or we will see PMll give us a 2nd half of the season to remember. He may even get us there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoMoChief

If Alex Smith has an awesome year and wills this team to SB, do you bring him back next season? If the Chiefs win the SB, do you bring him back or just say thanks and move on to the Mahomes era? I think at least scenario #2 would sit better w/ a lot of people, rather than thinking, "what if?"

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, 10:48 PM	#87
CoMoChief Mahomes Dynasty Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Parts Unknown Casino cash: $7672254	If Alex Smith has an awesome year and wills this team to SB, do you bring him back next season? If the Chiefs win the SB, do you bring him back or just say thanks and move on to the Mahomes era? I think at least scenario #2 would sit better w/ a lot of people, rather than thinking, "what if?" __________________
Posts: 39,245

08-22-2017, 11:11 PM	#89
NJChiefsFan I've Made a Huge Mistake Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: NJ Casino cash: $4500423	I mean.... Not sure why people want to spend their free time creating mult accounts to fool around with people on the internet. To each their own I guess but wow.
Posts: 12,495