Chiefs Teicher:Prodded by Andy Reid, Chiefs QB Alex Smith learning to be more aggressive - Page 46

**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.”

Hammock Parties · 06-25-2013, 10:04 PM

EJ Manuel has a shit ton of issues.

Only reason he was first picked is because he's huge.

**BossChief** · 06-25-2013, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bo's Pelini

There was also a huge difference in demeanor between guys like Wilson/Kapernick and Geno Smith.

Totally agree. He had 3 moments last year (during games) that were disappointing because of how he dealt with adversity so poorly.

I also questioned his ability to play quickly after his interview with Mooch.

That's why I have said the whole time that I just wanted to see them draft a quarterback and not repeat the same formula that has failed this fanbase so many times. It wasn't ever "only Geno" for me...I just saw him as the guy with the best total package. Maybe that was Manuel, or Glennon, or another guy.

I just hope they made the right call...but it just smells like another draft that we passed on a quarterback that will end up leading his team to a superbowl.

We have passed on damn near EVERY SUPERBOWL WINNING QUARTERBACK of the last 5-10 years and that's sad.

After watching almost 30 years of Chiefs football, I just wanted a reason to be excited again.

This team needs to stop spending high picks on the Glenn Dorseys of the world and take a shot at a Flacco or Rodgers.

What do we have to lose?

O.city · 06-25-2013, 10:05 PM

I'm just saying, if the guy has everything you want in a qb save for height, it's probably not smart to pass him 3 times over.

I'll also state that I'm still a bit skeptical of Wilson at this point. He was great at times late when it mattered though

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-25-2013, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

If they see Alex smith as the least risky and best option, fine. As much as sweet whatever his name is or whoever will argue, they were right this offseason in the direction they took.

With that said, if that's the route you go, there won't be much wiggle room from the fan base if they don't win early and often.

I disagree. The Chiefs can start slow and finish the season 8-8, 9-7, 10-6, the fans will be just fine.

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

Going the route they did us fine, but they can't go that route and win 5 games and expect patience.

The Chiefs didn't invest two second round draft choices in order to win five games. With this coaching staff (the best since the Vermeil days and arguably the best since 1993) could win five games with Matt Cassel.

Barring catastrophic injury, this team's floor is eight wins with a ceiling of eleven.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-25-2013, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

I'm just saying, if the guy has everything you want in a qb save for height, it's probably not smart to pass him 3 times over.

Seattle didn't.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-25-2013, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

What do we have to lose?

Considering the team's record the prior six seasons, dwindling attendance, fan apathy and the idea in league circles that the Chiefs were a joke, they stood to lose quite a bit if they chose a QB in the first round that wasn't worthy of that selection or ready to start and lead a winning team from day one.

IMO, there are only two guys in this draft that the Chiefs may eventually regret passing: Barkley and Manuel. And neither is even close to a sure thing.

RunKC · 06-25-2013, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

We've heard a lot of this after the fact from GM'S but it sounds a lot like revisionist history. If you love a guy that much, you draft him.

I think it was really about knowing when to take him. The Seahawks GM had a chubby for him for a long time before the draft, so I'm shocked they didn't just take him in the 2nd.

I'm shocked more teams didn't fall in love with him enough to take him in round 2 at the Senior Bowl. But then again, there was a big run on QB's in 2011 and other dumbass GM's like Scooter didn't want him because of his height.

I would put a hell of a lot of money on the fact that Scooter didn't draft him simply because he wasn't tall enough. He wanted his Tom Brady prototype and damnit to hell if he was gonna take a chance on this guy, even though he had everything else you could possibly want from a QB prospect.

O.city · 06-25-2013, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Seattle didn't.

Obviously I'm not talking about Seattle.

Talking about all the GMs and front office guys who have come out after the Fav talking about how much they loved the guy, etc.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-25-2013, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RunKC

I think it was really about knowing when to take him. The Seahawks GM had a chubby for him for a long time before the draft, so I'm shocked they didn't just take him in the 2nd.

Yeah but how smart was he to wait until the third AND get Bobby Wagner in the second?

Pure genius.

**BossChief** · 06-25-2013, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

But that's not true. There were plenty of scouts that liked Kaepernick and Wilson but they were overruled by their GM (the Chiefs included).

Wilson's issue didn't stem from athleticism, leadership, or ability. It stemmed from his height. Kaepernick was passed over because of his competition.

And I disagree. As I stated earlier, E.J. Manuel is the only guy that I can look at and say "Wow, this guy has all the tools to be a Franchise QB". Smith has issues, Wilson has issues, Barkley has issues, Bray has issues.

And had Buffalo not needed a strong-armed QB, it's quite possible that he'd have fallen to the second round as well.

There were no "clean" prospects in this draft, despite the narrative passed around Chiefsplanet for five brutal months.

Outside of Sac and a couple others, nobody called Geno a "clean" prospect.

But, like any draft, all you can hope for (when you need a quarterback) is that you evaluate properly and come out with the best you could get.

No prospect is perfect.

I don't see this as any different than passing on Rodgers for DJ...or passing on Flacco for Albert and Glenn Dorsey...

Until we get THAT GUY, this failed template should be scrapped.

Hopefully, Reid can keep Alex progressing like he has been the last couple years and make fools of us guys that want the team to draft a quarterback.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-25-2013, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

Obviously I'm not talking about Seattle.

Talking about all the GMs and front office guys who have come out after the Fav talking about how much they loved the guy, etc.

Once again, loving a guy and spending a first or second round draft choice on him are mutually exclusive.

I'm sure that there were several GM's that loved Justin Houston. If he continues to ascend, how many GM's will have said the same thing about him?

Teams can "love" a guy but at the same time, assign a draft value to him.

**BossChief** · 06-25-2013, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Smith HATER

EJ Manuel has a shit ton of issues.

Only reason he was first picked is because he's huge.

That's just not true

O.city · 06-25-2013, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

I disagree. The Chiefs can start slow and finish the season 8-8, 9-7, 10-6, the fans will be just fine.

The Chiefs didn't invest two second round draft choices in order to win five games. With this coaching staff (the best since the Vermeil days and arguably the best since 1993) could win five games with Matt Cassel.

Barring catastrophic injury, this team's floor is eight wins with a ceiling of eleven.

I guess it's good to be optimistic.

I didnt necessarily mean win early in the season, just that they need to win THIS season.

I think they have some talent, but there are still a lot of question marks this early.

RunKC · 06-25-2013, 10:20 PM

Another thing to consider is that Seattle was a team that was very well built. Wilson entered a damn good situation. The defense was elite, Marshawn Lynch was a top 10 RB (arguably top 5), their OL and blocking was pretty solid, and they had some decent receiving options.

What pains me is that we had a solid foundation built up here last year and would have given that kid a great opportunity to succeed.

O.city · 06-25-2013, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Once again, loving a guy and spending a first or second round draft choice on him are mutually exclusive.

I'm sure that there were several GM's that loved Justin Houston. If he continues to ascend, how many GM's will have said the same thing about him?

Teams can "love" a guy but at the same time, assign a draft value to him.

I think a guy like Houston falling was a little different though. Lotta people had a first round grade on him.

I don't remember if they did on Wilson. I also think Wilson was out into the perfect situation for him to succeed.

06-05-2013, 06:26 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2987187	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.”
Posts: 43,452

06-25-2013, 10:04 PM	#676
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $810478	EJ Manuel has a shit ton of issues. Only reason he was first picked is because he's huge. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 297,429

06-25-2013, 10:05 PM	#678
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $-725936	I'm just saying, if the guy has everything you want in a qb save for height, it's probably not smart to pass him 3 times over. I'll also state that I'm still a bit skeptical of Wilson at this point. He was great at times late when it mattered though
Posts: 84,239

06-25-2013, 10:20 PM	#689
RunKC Andy Reid Supporter Join Date: Apr 2012 Casino cash: $-1630389	Another thing to consider is that Seattle was a team that was very well built. Wilson entered a damn good situation. The defense was elite, Marshawn Lynch was a top 10 RB (arguably top 5), their OL and blocking was pretty solid, and they had some decent receiving options. What pains me is that we had a solid foundation built up here last year and would have given that kid a great opportunity to succeed. __________________ Mike Greenberg@Espngreeny I can’t fathom what it must be like to be a fan of the #Chiefs. Adopt a Chief: Jared Wiley
Posts: 52,219