Chiefs Teicher:Prodded by Andy Reid, Chiefs QB Alex Smith learning to be more aggressive - Page 39

**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.”

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-25-2013, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

This years draft sucked with out the second round draft pick. Could have got a qb prospect with it and took a chance on one. Still be able to draft a quarterback in next years draft if it looks like another prospect can be even better. For as many years Chiefs neglected the quarterback in the draft wouldn't hurt going back to back years picking first or second round qb draft picks. Have competition & have trade bait to get more picks.

I don't give a shit if this was a bad year for qb prospects they have upside that Alex Smith doesn't have.

Good God.

As I said on a weekly basis leading up to the draft, Geno Smith wasn't a first round pick, let alone 1.1.

If he hadn't gone to the most dysfunctional franchise in the NFL, he may have slid to the third round. Add to the fact that his actions at the draft and subsequently thereafter led to the reason he fell, I have no idea why ANYONE with a brain in their head would still hold a candle for him.

It's Ludacris. Oh, wait. It's Jay-Z.

Rasputin · 06-25-2013, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Good God.

As I said on a weekly basis leading up to the draft, Geno Smith wasn't a first round pick, let alone 1.1.

If he hadn't gone to the most dysfunctional franchise in the NFL, he may have slid to the third round. Add to the fact that his actions at the draft and subsequently thereafter led to the reason he fell, I have no idea why ANYONE with a brain in their head would still hold a candle for him.

It's Ludacris. Oh, wait. It's Jay-Z.

I still would rather have Geno Smith than ****ing Alex Smith that is all there is to it. Geno Smith has upside that Alex Smith doesn't have. He would have been worth the second round pick. If he fails we still would have next years second round pick available for better options and we could take one in the first round also in next years draft.

I saw good and well what Geno Smith is capable of from college he may may not turn out in the pros but I'd sure give him a shot. If he is a slow learner then take the time with him. He is going make a pretty good quarterback or he wont. It's Ludacris go 30 years neglecting the quarterback in the draft with trying to get a top prospect.

I think Geno Smith needs to have maturity before he starts to get it but if he can mature and grow then he may turn out ok. Who knows right? You nor I know how he is going to turn out in the NFL. It's any ones guess including the scouts. They may know more than I do but watching him play quarterback at WC was pretty impressive and if anything that is what I'd go by.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-25-2013, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

I still would rather have Geno Smith than ****ing Alex Smith that is all there is to it. Geno Smith has upside that Alex Smith doesn't have. He would have been worth the second round pick. If he fails we still would have next years second round pick available for better options and we could take one in the first round also in next years draft.

I saw good and well what Geno Smith is capable of from college he may may not turn out in the pros but I'd sure give him a shot. If he is a slow learner then take the time with him. He is going make a pretty good quarterback or he wont. It's Ludacris go 30 years neglecting the quarterback in the draft with trying to get a top prospect.

I think Geno Smith needs to have maturity before he starts to get it but if he can mature and grow then he may turn out ok. Who knows right? You nor I know how he is going to turn out in the NFL. It's any ones guess including the scouts. They may know more than I do but watching him play quarterback at WC was pretty impressive and if anything that is what I'd go by.

I don't give a damn what you, SNR, BossChief, Htismaque, or PGM "want".

You were ALL wrong then and you're still wrong today.

As far as NFL talent evaluation is concerned, you're all batting .0000.

Rasputin · 06-25-2013, 02:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

I don't give a damn what you, SNR, BossChief, Htismaque, or PGM "want".

You were ALL wrong then and you're still wrong today.

As far as NFL talent evaluation is concerned, you're all batting .0000.

Have it your way then. Waist another 4 years on a retread quarterback and not Smiff the Super Bowl.

Like I said we could have drafted a top qb prospect this year AND next years draft to double our chances to getting it right.

Rasputin · 06-25-2013, 02:18 AM

None of this years quarterbacks have played a single down in the NFL so don't tell me I'm wrong for a couple more years yet. Give me three years to see if Geno Smith was worth a second round pick. I don't expect him to be great this year but I'd expect him to have a learning year.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-25-2013, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

Have it your way then. Waist another 4 years on a retread quarterback and not Smiff the Super Bowl.

Like I said we could have drafted a top qb prospect this year AND next years draft to double our chances to getting it right.

Dumb

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-25-2013, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

None of this years quarterbacks have played a single down in the NFL so don't tell me I'm wrong for a couple more years yet. Give me three years to see if Geno Smith was worth a second round pick. I don't expect him to be great this year but I'd expect him to have a learning year.

Dumber.

You wanted Smith at 1.1. The guy wasn't viewed as a first rounder, let alone 1.1 and was drafted at 39 by the most dysfunctional team in the league.

You were wrong. Plain and simple.

He may become a great QB but it's much more likely that he will not. And finally, there's no room in today's NFL to take a QB at 1.1, only to sit him for a year.

Rasputin · 06-25-2013, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Dumb

We just don't believe in the same things. So I can say you are dumb too. Both of us are not wrong or right until they play the game. If Geno Smith can win with the Jets in the next 2 to 3 years and make his team playoff winners then Well **** you. If not then **** me.

Geno Smith would have been fun to watch in red uniforms with Arrowhead stickers on the helmets. A HELL of a lot more fun than Alex Smith.

Rasputin · 06-25-2013, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Dumber.

You wanted Smith at 1.1. The guy wasn't viewed as a first rounder, let alone 1.1 and was drafted at 39 by the most dysfunctional team in the league.

You were wrong. Plain and simple.

He may become a great QB but it's much more likely that he will not. And finally, there's no room in today's NFL to take a QB at 1.1, only to sit him for a year.

**** your Got damn 30 years of mediocrity that's all you live for. JHC that's ****ing dumb.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-25-2013, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

We just don't believe in the same things. So I can say you are dumb too. Both of us are not wrong or right until they play the game. If Geno Smith can win with the Jets in the next 2 to 3 years and make his team playoff winners then Well **** you. If not then **** me.

Geno Smith would have been fun to watch in red uniforms with Arrowhead stickers on the helmets. A HELL of a lot more fun than Alex Smith.

Believe? Are you incapable of admitting that you were WRONG?

You were WRONG. He wasn't a first rounder, let alone worth 1.1.

Wake up. Stop with the nonsense.

The NFL and all of its GM's, coaches and scouts disagreed with your and your "Mafia's" evaluation.

If you can call it that.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-25-2013, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

**** your Got damn 30 years of mediocrity that's all you live for. JHC that's ****ing dumb.

I wasn't aware that I was president of the Chiefs or the CEO or the GM.

Where are the checks?

Rasputin · 06-25-2013, 02:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Believe? Are you incapable of admitting that you were WRONG?

You were WRONG. He wasn't a first rounder, let alone worth 1.1.

Wake up. Stop with the nonsense.

The NFL and all of its GM's, coaches and scouts disagreed with your and your "Mafia's" evaluation.

If you can call it that.

How can I be wrong when they haven't played a full season yet? NFL teams are right all the time? That is a joke then why did Tom Brady drop to the sixth round? ****

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-25-2013, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

How can I be wrong when they haven't played a full season yet? NFL teams are right all the time? That is a joke then why did Tom Brady drop to the sixth round? ****

Rasputin · 06-25-2013, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-25-2013, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

So, you're denying that you actively advocated for Smith at 1.1?

06-05-2013, 06:26 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-3007187	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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06-25-2013, 02:18 AM	#575
Rasputin Tip of the hat LIV Champs Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: ks Casino cash: $25421	None of this years quarterbacks have played a single down in the NFL so don't tell me I'm wrong for a couple more years yet. Give me three years to see if Geno Smith was worth a second round pick. I don't expect him to be great this year but I'd expect him to have a learning year. __________________ "Those who don't believe in magic will never find it"
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