Chiefs Teicher:Prodded by Andy Reid, Chiefs QB Alex Smith learning to be more aggressive - Page 59

**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.”

**BigMeatballDave** · 06-27-2013, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex Smith HATER

Yes, I'm being objective about Alex Smith.

If I was being unobjective I would say he completely sucks and he will kill this team.

He won't. He just won't do much for it beyond "hey thanks for not ****ing up the rest of the team bro."

You have said that he's the same as Cassel. I say that he will certainly kill the team if that is the case.

Hammock Parties · 06-27-2013, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrueFanDave

You have said that he's the same as Cassel.

Incorrect.

Discuss Thrower · 06-27-2013, 01:31 PM

Passing shot here, but isn't the trend in competitive avenues is to be naturally aggressive and then learn to be more guarded than the reverse?

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-27-2013, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptlyon

Optimism (aka Homerism)

This is the dumbest post I've read in a month.

Optimism does not equal "Homerism". That's ridiculous.

Was it "Homerism" to expect that Eric Berry, Jammal Charles and Tony Moeaki return to form in 2012? No, it was not. It was optimism.

I'm optimistic that Andy Reid and his talented offensive staff, along with the acquisition of Fisher, Schwartz, Avery, Fasano and Smith, can put together a solid Top 15 offense in 2013.

That does not make me, or anyone else that views it similarly, a "Homer". And if you believe that does, you're as dumb as SweetDickWillie, which I hope is not possible.

tooge · 06-27-2013, 01:53 PM

If the chiefs go to the super bowl, some on here will claim A. Smith rode the coat tails of "insert coach or players here". They look to argue no matter what and actually hope he falls flat on his face. Those are some real good fans.

**ptlyon** · 06-27-2013, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

This is the dumbest post I've read in a month.

Optimism does not equal "Homerism". That's ridiculous.

Was it "Homerism" to expect that Eric Berry, Jammal Charles and Tony Moeaki return to form in 2012? No, it was not. It was optimism.

I'm optimistic that Andy Reid and his talented offensive staff, along with the acquisition of Fisher, Schwartz, Avery, Fasano and Smith, can put together a solid Top 15 offense in 2013.

That does not make me, or anyone else that views it similarly, a "Homer". And if you believe that does, you're as dumb as SweetDickWillie, which I hope is not possible.

Believe what you want. Just start stockpiling the excuses. You'll need them.

**ptlyon** · 06-27-2013, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tooge

If the chiefs go to the super bowl, some on here will claim A. Smith rode the coat tails of "insert coach or players here". They look to argue no matter what and actually hope he falls flat on his face. Those are some real good fans.

Some maybe tooge, but not me. Would I liketo see them go to the SB (and win of course), absolutely. And I'd be the first to admit I was wrong. We have seen this same story over and over again however, and know how its gonna end.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-27-2013, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptlyon

Believe what you want. Just start stockpiling the excuses. You'll need them.

Thanks for addressing your own comment.

You're stupid. Thanks for confirming it.

Oh, and thanks for redefining the words "optimism" and "homer".

I'll be sure to alert Webster's.

**ptlyon** · 06-27-2013, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Thanks for addressing your own comment.

You're stupid. Thanks for confirming it.

Ooooh I'm stupid. Dane says so! Ooooh!

This is the shit I'm talking about.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-27-2013, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptlyon

Ooooh I'm stupid. Dane says so! Ooooh!

This is the shit I'm talking about.

What are you talking about?

All I see is nonsense and a person that lacks any semblance of cognitive ability.

You're worse than GoChiefs. At least he can formulate sentences.

crazycoffey · 06-27-2013, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptlyon

Hence why I quit arguing with yous types, its a waste of time. October will be here soon enough to solve the argument. I'm just waiting with anticipation on what the excuses will be.

Same here

**ptlyon** · 06-27-2013, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

What are you talking about?

All I see is nonsense and a person that lacks any semblance of cognitive ability.

You're worse than GoChiefs. At least he can formulate sentences.

So calling someone stupid is "cognitive ability"?

My my, full of yourself, aren't ya?

I have to admit, you make me want to call you a name, but I won't stoop to your level. Like I said, no use in wasting my time.

Marcellus · 06-27-2013, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptlyon

So calling someone stupid is "cognitive ability"?

My my, full of yourself, aren't ya?

I have to admit, you make me want to call you a name, but I won't stoop to your level. Like I said, no use in wasting my time.

Speaking of wasting time, since you know whats going to happen already this season don't waste your time watching the Chiefs this year.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-27-2013, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptlyon

You're whining about the negative people. Optimism (aka Homerism) doesn't make you right, although you seem to feel the need to stress that you are. Hence why I quit arguing with yous types, its a waste of time. October will be here soon enough to solve the argument. I'm just waiting with anticipation on what the excuses will be.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptlyon

Some maybe tooge, but not me. Would I liketo see them go to the SB (and win of course), absolutely. And I'd be the first to admit I was wrong. We have seen this same story over and over again however, and know how its gonna end.

These two quotes are in direct contradiction.

You've decided not to argue anymore and wait until October to pass judgement. And yet you say that you already know how t's going to end and can't wait to tell everyone how wrong they were.

You're full of shit. And you know exactly zilch about this team or the NFL. You're just talking in generalities, just to hear yourself talk.

Once again, it's pure nonsense and yes, stupid.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-27-2013, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptlyon

So calling someone stupid is "cognitive ability"?

My my, full of yourself, aren't ya?

I have to admit, you make me want to call you a name, but I won't stoop to your level. Like I said, no use in wasting my time.

You don't know a damn thing about the Chiefs team this year nor do you know a damn thing about Alex Smith.

You're basing your opinion on Matt Cassel and the fact that the Chiefs have acquired QB's in the past.

It's an "opinion" without merit. Yet I'm full of MYSELF?

More stupidity.

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.”
Posts: 43,455

06-27-2013, 01:31 PM	#873
Discuss Thrower "You like to drink?" Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: "I like to drink." Casino cash: $-430000	Passing shot here, but isn't the trend in competitive avenues is to be naturally aggressive and then learn to be more guarded than the reverse? __________________ Chiefs 2016 Opponents: Home: JAX, TEN, NO, TB, NYJ. Away: HOU, IND, ATL, CAR, PIT Chiefs 2017 Opponents: Home: BUF, MIA, PHI, WSH, AFC North. Away: NE, NYJ, NYG, DAL, AFC South
Posts: 45,274

06-27-2013, 01:53 PM	#875
tooge MVP Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Liberty, MO Casino cash: $574112	If the chiefs go to the super bowl, some on here will claim A. Smith rode the coat tails of "insert coach or players here". They look to argue no matter what and actually hope he falls flat on his face. Those are some real good fans.
Posts: 17,227