Chiefs Teicher:Prodded by Andy Reid, Chiefs QB Alex Smith learning to be more aggressive - Page 18

**Tribal Warfare** · 06-05-2013, 06:26 PM

Prodded by Andy Reid, Chiefs QB Alex Smith learning to be more aggressive
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star
One of the qualities the Chiefs like in new quarterback Alex Smith is his recent history with few turnovers. Smith threw just 10 interceptions in his last 25 games for the San Francisco 49ers, a stat that looks extremely pretty in Kansas City after Chiefs quarterbacks committed 27 turnovers last season.

Smith’s low turnover rate was due at least in part by his reluctance to throw the ball down the field. He was referred to by frustrated 49ers fans as Captain Checkdown for his habit of throwing shorter patterns to receivers for shorter gains.

Smith is in the process of being reprogrammed by Andy Reid, his new coach. Reid doesn’t want to turn Smith into a turnover machine but wants him to be more aggressive, particularly during offseason practice.

“You want to get a feel for the offense now, particularly when you’re new at it (and) if there are close throws, challenge it, see what you can get away with,” Reid said. “If it ends up being an interception, OK, it’s an interception. You learn from it. These are smart guys so they learn from it and once they get into the season, they’re not experimenting with it on game day and they know what they can get away with and know what they can’t.

“It’s a new offense. I would tell any quarterback that comes in new that that’s what you need to do. I’ve told them all that. Go ahead and take your shots and see what you can get away with, within reason. But if it’s a close throw, there are going to be a few of those in the National Football League on game day so you need to know what you can get away with on each route.”

Smith and the other Chiefs quarterbacks were rewarded with several long completions in Wednesday’s practice. Smith had three such plays, including two to Jon Baldwin, while Tyler Bray and Ricky Stanzi had one apiece.

Wednesday’s barrage of big passing plays isn’t necessarily an indication the deep ball is back in the Chiefs’ offense. But since such plays have been scarce for the Chiefs in each of the past two seasons, they’re taking it as an encouraging sign.

“We’re just kind of continuing to press to see what we can do … finding out what we’re capable of,” Smith said. “You’ve got to find that out at some point. This is what the practice field is for.”

Smith was the NFL’s highest-rated passer last season before he was injured, missed a start and then replaced by Colin Kaepernick as San Francisco’s starting quarterback. Smith was completing more than 70 percent of his passes, a high rate, and had just five interceptions.

Still, he had just 30 touchdown passes in his final 25 starts for the 49ers. While that’s a good number as a ratio with his 10 interceptions, it still represents a shortage of big plays.

Smith won’t turn into a mad bomber overnight, if he ever does.

“You want to stay aggressive,” Smith said. “But in the end I’m always trying to make the right read and throw where the defense is telling me to throw. You don’t come out here and predetermine anything, like ‘Oh, I’m going to chuck it deep on this play.’ I’m constantly trying to just trust my eyes and what I’m seeing out there, trust my reads and what I’ve prepared for and then come out here and throw good balls.”

For his part, Reid might be OK with that. But for now, when an interception costs the Chiefs nothing, he would prefer Smith be more of a gambler.

“Everybody is all on board (with Smith),” Reid said. “He’s a good football player. He’s showing that (along with) good leadership. I’m asking him to do a ton of things. He’s handling it. We’ve had an interception here or there but that’s all part of this thing. You’ve got to find out about the offense and you can’t do it with your hands in your pocket. You’ve got to go out and try things and experiment. That’s what he’s doing now.

“It’s just good stuff. He’s staying aggressive with the ball, and I appreciate that.”

The final offseason practice is today. The Chiefs won’t get together again as a group until training camp begins in July at Missouri Western State University.

Smith indicated he may try to throw to some Chiefs receivers during their downtime in an effort to stay sharp.

“We’re heads and shoulder above where we were a couple of months ago,” he said. “But that’s a never-ending thing. I don’t think it’s something like, ‘We’ve got a good feel for each other so we don’t need to work anymore.’ You’re constantly working at it. This is our job, this is our craft. Every single day, it’s coming out here and pushing to get better.”

Coogs · 06-18-2013, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrueFanDave

IAnd not a single Chiefs fan here thinks Smith is the answer.

There is one. Me.

I'm not afraid to venture out on my own either.

**BigMeatballDave** · 06-18-2013, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

What? The only point any of them made was "You're so negative!"

I have zero problems with negativity.

The issue is its the same shit over and over.

And not a single Chiefs fan here thinks Smith is the answer.

-King- · 06-18-2013, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

What? The only point any of them made was "You're so negative!"

I have zero problems with negativity.

The issue is its the same shit over and over.

And not a single Chiefs fan here thinks Smith is the answer.

Sandy Vagina · 06-18-2013, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrueFanDave

I have zero problems with negativity.

The issue is its the same shit over and over.

And not a single Chiefs fan here thinks Smith is the answer.

This is the way of a petulant child that fails to get their way. Do they make a single, calm objection and move along? Nope. They fold their arms over their chest... stomp their feet... and wail out loud to anyone that will listen.

Most KC fans around the web have a much more approving view of the QB situation. Sure, not many love the compensation given... but many have accepted it and have moved on with optimism for the 2013 Chiefs.

This place here? so different? There are about a dozen whiny babies here that just happen to be repeatedly vocal in their wailing.

**BigMeatballDave** · 06-18-2013, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -King-

I have zero problems with negativity.

The issue is its the same shit over and over.

And not a single Chiefs fan here thinks Smith is the answer.

LOL Irony. No idea why it reposted.

I'm posting from my phone. In Denver. Nothing good happens in Denver.

Hammock Parties · 06-18-2013, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrueFanDave

I have zero problems with negativity.

The issue is its the same shit over and over.

And not a single Chiefs fan here thinks Smith is the answer.

Then don't ****ing try to tell us Smith = Green.

It's a bullshit argument.

And so is "half of quarterbacking is coaching!"

GTFO

Those are "homers for Alex Smith" wolfposts in sheep's clothing.

**BigMeatballDave** · 06-18-2013, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coogs

There is one. Me.

I'm not afraid to venture out on my own either.

While I do think Smith will be a significant upgrade over Cassel, I don't think the Chiefs are winning any SBs anytime soon. Wildcard game? Sure.

**ptlyon** · 06-18-2013, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac-NinersChiefs

This is the way of a petulant child that fails to get their way. Do they make a single, calm objection and move along? Nope. They fold their arms over their chest... stomp their feet... and wail out loud to anyone that will listen.

Most KC fans around the web have a much more approving view of the QB situation. Sure, not many love the compensation given... but many have accepted it and have moved on with optimism for the 2013 Chiefs.

This place here? so different? There are about a dozen whiny babies here that just happen to be repeatedly vocal in their wailing.

Then go to those other places and circle jerk with them.

Do I hope Smith does well? Of course, I've been a chiefs fan all my life. We have just eaten this shit sandwich before and know what it tastes like.

Don't like the negativity? Leave.

**BigMeatballDave** · 06-18-2013, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Branden Albert's Huge Balls

Then don't ****ing try to tell us Smith = Green.

It's a bullshit argument.

And so is "half of quarterbacking is coaching!"

GTFO

Those are "homers for Alex Smith" wolfposts in sheep's clothing.

Show me where I said Smith=Green.

I made a comparison. Both have done little before becoming a Chief. Smith has a playoff win. Eat shit.

**ptlyon** · 06-18-2013, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrueFanDave

Smith has a playoff win.

BigBeauford · 06-18-2013, 09:25 AM

Tim Tebow has a playoff win.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 06-18-2013, 09:26 AM

"Alex is SO DREAMY"!/Mac-Niners

Sandy Vagina · 06-18-2013, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptlyon

Don't like the negativity? Leave.

Must be why so many good KC fans have left... the crybabies ran them all off with their ninny-boo-boo syndrome. But there are still some believers here... or at least some that will give the new regime a chance before throwing in the towel. I stick around to read their posts. Unfortunately, I have to sift through the crybabies to do so.. but I can stomach it. I understand and can take pity on the emotionally defeated and broken souls.

Hammock Parties · 06-18-2013, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrueFanDave

I made a comparison. Both have done little before becoming a Chief.

And one QB showed more ability, so comparisons are not accurate.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 06-18-2013, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac-NinersChiefs

Must be why so many good KC fans have left... the crybabies ran them all off with their ninny-boo-boo syndrome. But there are still some believers here... or at least some that will give the new regime a chance before throwing in the towel. I stick around to read their posts. Unfortunately, I have to sift through the crybabies to do so.. but I can stomach it. I understand and can take pity on the emotionally defeated and broken souls.

There are plenty of teat-sucking, regime taint-licking websites and forums available; give one a try.

06-05-2013, 06:26 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-3047187	Teicher:Prodded by Andy Reid, Chiefs QB Alex Smith learning to be more aggressive Prodded by Andy Reid, Chiefs QB Alex Smith learning to be more aggressive By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star One of the qualities the Chiefs like in new quarterback Alex Smith is his recent history with few turnovers. Smith threw just 10 interceptions in his last 25 games for the San Francisco 49ers, a stat that looks extremely pretty in Kansas City after Chiefs quarterbacks committed 27 turnovers last season. Smith’s low turnover rate was due at least in part by his reluctance to throw the ball down the field. He was referred to by frustrated 49ers fans as Captain Checkdown for his habit of throwing shorter patterns to receivers for shorter gains. Smith is in the process of being reprogrammed by Andy Reid, his new coach. Reid doesn’t want to turn Smith into a turnover machine but wants him to be more aggressive, particularly during offseason practice. “You want to get a feel for the offense now, particularly when you’re new at it (and) if there are close throws, challenge it, see what you can get away with,” Reid said. “If it ends up being an interception, OK, it’s an interception. You learn from it. These are smart guys so they learn from it and once they get into the season, they’re not experimenting with it on game day and they know what they can get away with and know what they can’t. “It’s a new offense. I would tell any quarterback that comes in new that that’s what you need to do. I’ve told them all that. Go ahead and take your shots and see what you can get away with, within reason. But if it’s a close throw, there are going to be a few of those in the National Football League on game day so you need to know what you can get away with on each route.” Smith and the other Chiefs quarterbacks were rewarded with several long completions in Wednesday’s practice. Smith had three such plays, including two to Jon Baldwin, while Tyler Bray and Ricky Stanzi had one apiece. Wednesday’s barrage of big passing plays isn’t necessarily an indication the deep ball is back in the Chiefs’ offense. But since such plays have been scarce for the Chiefs in each of the past two seasons, they’re taking it as an encouraging sign. “We’re just kind of continuing to press to see what we can do … finding out what we’re capable of,” Smith said. “You’ve got to find that out at some point. This is what the practice field is for.” Smith was the NFL’s highest-rated passer last season before he was injured, missed a start and then replaced by Colin Kaepernick as San Francisco’s starting quarterback. Smith was completing more than 70 percent of his passes, a high rate, and had just five interceptions. Still, he had just 30 touchdown passes in his final 25 starts for the 49ers. While that’s a good number as a ratio with his 10 interceptions, it still represents a shortage of big plays. Smith won’t turn into a mad bomber overnight, if he ever does. “You want to stay aggressive,” Smith said. “But in the end I’m always trying to make the right read and throw where the defense is telling me to throw. You don’t come out here and predetermine anything, like ‘Oh, I’m going to chuck it deep on this play.’ I’m constantly trying to just trust my eyes and what I’m seeing out there, trust my reads and what I’ve prepared for and then come out here and throw good balls.” For his part, Reid might be OK with that. But for now, when an interception costs the Chiefs nothing, he would prefer Smith be more of a gambler. “Everybody is all on board (with Smith),” Reid said. “He’s a good football player. He’s showing that (along with) good leadership. I’m asking him to do a ton of things. He’s handling it. We’ve had an interception here or there but that’s all part of this thing. You’ve got to find out about the offense and you can’t do it with your hands in your pocket. You’ve got to go out and try things and experiment. That’s what he’s doing now. “It’s just good stuff. He’s staying aggressive with the ball, and I appreciate that.” The final offseason practice is today. The Chiefs won’t get together again as a group until training camp begins in July at Missouri Western State University. Smith indicated he may try to throw to some Chiefs receivers during their downtime in an effort to stay sharp. “We’re heads and shoulder above where we were a couple of months ago,” he said. “But that’s a never-ending thing. I don’t think it’s something like, ‘We’ve got a good feel for each other so we don’t need to work anymore.’ You’re constantly working at it. This is our job, this is our craft. Every single day, it’s coming out here and pushing to get better.”
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06-18-2013, 09:25 AM	#266
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06-18-2013, 09:26 AM	#267
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