Chiefs Teicher:Prodded by Andy Reid, Chiefs QB Alex Smith learning to be more aggressive - Page 84

**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** · 06-28-2013, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Again, I agree.

This teams fortunes won't change until they draft a quarterback that can inject some life into this stale franchise.

Successful rebuilds always start with drafting quarterbacks.

Drew Brees, Brett Favre, and Tom Brady say Hi.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-28-2013, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

This.

What you know about the NFL and football in general could fit in a thimble in the hand of a Barbie Doll.

**Mav** · 06-28-2013, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

Joe Montana = Greatest Quarterback of All Time or Alex "8-8" Smith. Pretty much have to be a dumbass to switch teams because of Alex Smith.

I am saying this respectfully. A lot of hiner fans that came here because of Alex Smith, aren't saying they are chiefs fans, just hoping that Alex has success. I love Alex Smith. But to a lot of you. That seems CRAZY because hes a mediocre, or shit qb in your eyes. But, you also haven't been cheering for the guy for 8 years, know what he brings other than on the field ability. And that is fine. It is no different than when last year, Robinson Cano got his ass booed reeruned at the home run derby, all because he wouldn't pick Billy Butler. To me, I was like who the hell cares. Billy Butler is a turd. Now that would seem offensive to you......ITs a pity that we as humans cant even empathize a little. Hopefully, Alex Smith does good enough for your team that perhaps one day you will appreciate him the way people appreciate Trent Green. Probably not, but it would be nice. Hes a hell of a person, and not a horrible football player. Just not great.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-28-2013, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrueFanDave

Drew Brees, Brett Favre, and Tom Brady say Hi.

As do Jim Plunkett, Brad Johnson, Kurt Warner, Doug Williams, Joe Theisman, Lenny Dawson and Trent Dilfer.

But there's only ONE WAY!

Seriously guys, get over yourselves.

**Mav** · 06-28-2013, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrueFanDave

Drew Brees, Brett Favre, and Tom Brady say Hi.

ehhh, Tom Brady was drafted by the pats........And he didn't specify round. Just thought I would clear that up. That's why I didn't mention him.

mcaj22 · 06-28-2013, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverick91579

You sure are assuming a lot. I guess you think that without Welker, without gronk, without the murderer, that the Patriots aren't going to struggle. YOu are assuming that the Dolphins are going to be better because they added, MIKE WALLACE?

The steelers, and Ravens are FAR WORSE than they were a year ago. Also, the steelers are just flat out OLD. Yes, its true, you probably will have to fight for a wildcard with the colts/Texans runner up, but look at the division you play in. Its AWFUL. There is no competition for second place. And to think that you cant split with the bronocs, that just crazy.

A lot of your assumptions are based off of reputation, but not really off of reality. Especially with Baltimore. You don't lose everything they lost, Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, Paul Kruger, Ellerbe, and Anquan Boldin, and not take a step back.

How did Baltimore get worse?

you can argue they got better talent wise. They got younger and more talented.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/ba...fl-pos=defense

look at those ****ing LBers. Suggs and Dumervil with Daryl Smith and Arthur Brown? Smith and Brown are much more athletic and faster than Ray Lewis was last season at the end of his career. Their D-line got better. And they are getting their best CB back from injury who is a top 5 CB in the NFL. And its not like their safety drop off is that bad, they drafted a high prospect at SS and signed Huff, who sucks but still serviceable for that defense.

And the Steelers would have been in the playoffs had the Chiefs not snapped Big Ben in half, they were fine up until that point. A healthy Big Ben will always make that team in a position to have a winning record. The wheels fall off and they lose when hes not playing. The last time the Steelers had a sub .500 record they bounced back with a winning season the following year, cause its a ****ing winning franchise.

Chris Meck · 06-28-2013, 11:58 AM

The Donkos are NOT that good. I don't think anyone ought to be handing them the division just yet.

Top to bottom, I think KC's roster is better.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-28-2013, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Meck

The Donkos are NOT that good. I don't think anyone ought to be handing them the division just yet.

Top to bottom, I think KC's roster is better.

Denver is likely to win at least eleven games this year, barring catastrophic injury, because of Peyton Manning, Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas and Wes Welker.

They won't win 13 games this year because the division, especially the Chiefs, have improved but they'll be a double-digit winner and a Super Bowl contender.

**Mav** · 06-28-2013, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaj22

How did Baltimore get worse?

you can argue they got better talent wise. They got younger and more talented.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/ba...fl-pos=defense

look at those ****ing LBers. Suggs and Dumervil with Daryl Smith and Arthur Brown? Smith and Brown are much more athletic and faster than Ray Lewis was last season at the end of his career. Their D-line got better. And they are getting their best CB back from injury who is a top 5 CB in the NFL. And its not like their safety drop off is that bad, they drafted a high prospect at SS and signed Huff, who sucks but still serviceable for that defense.

And the Steelers would have been in the playoffs had the Chiefs not snapped him in half, they were fine up until that point. A healthy Big Ben will always make that team in a position to have a winning record. The wheels fall off and they lose when hes not playing. The last time the Steelers had a sub .500 record they bounced back with a winning season the following year, cause its a ****ing winning franchise.

well, When you replace reed, and pollard, with a rookie, elam, and Huff, you didn't get better. Webb, has to prove he is healthy. Arthur Brown has proven absolutely NOTHING in the nfl, and how much does daryl smith have left. Yes, Adding dummerville is an upgrade over Kruger. But, they did lose boldin, and he was HUGE for the ravens. He was huge for flacco.

And as for the steelers. They are old, and slow. And they lost their speed on offense with Wallace. Yes, they still have brown, but sanders will be focused on this year. And I just don't trust ben to stay healthy. That is the toughest division in football boss. It wouldn't surprise me if the steelers didn't finish last.

mcaj22 · 06-28-2013, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Meck

The Donkos are NOT that good. I don't think anyone ought to be handing them the division just yet.

Top to bottom, I think KC's roster is better.

they actually have more than one real WR that produces at the NFL level for starters

**Mav** · 06-28-2013, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Denver is likely to win at least eleven games this year, barring catastrophic injury, because of Peyton Manning, Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas and Wes Welker.

They won't win 13 games this year because the division, especially the Chiefs, have improved but they'll be a double-digit winner and a Super Bowl contender.

Its not their offense that is the question mark. To me, its their defense. Their secondary is awful, and losing dummerville, is going to hurt quite a bit. Now they will double team von miller on every play.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-28-2013, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaj22

And the Steelers would have been in the playoffs had the Chiefs not snapped Big Ben in half, they were fine up until that point. A healthy Big Ben will always make that team in a position to have a winning record. The wheels fall off and they lose when hes not playing. The last time the Steelers had a sub .500 record they bounced back with a winning season the following year, cause its a ****ing winning franchise.

Rothlisberger is a year older and has always had issues playing 16 games. Mike Wallace is gone. James Harrison is gone. They have no running game. Their defense is suspect and old, especially Polamalu.

**Mav** · 06-28-2013, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaj22

they actually have more than one real WR that produces at the NFL level for starters

Yeah, their offense with Welker, decker, stokley, Thomas. That's as legit as it gets at receiver.

**BigMeatballDave** · 06-28-2013, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaj22

they actually have more than one real WR that produces at the NFL level for starters

Thomas and Decker were very average before Manning's showed up.

I'm not worried about Denver doing anything in the post season because of Manning's penchant for shitting himself in the playoffs.

mcaj22 · 06-28-2013, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverick91579

well, When you replace reed, and pollard, with a rookie, elam, and Huff, you didn't get better. Webb, has to prove he is healthy. Arthur Brown has proven absolutely NOTHING in the nfl, and how much does daryl smith have left. Yes, Adding dummerville is an upgrade over Kruger. But, they did lose boldin, and he was HUGE for the ravens. He was huge for flacco.

And as for the steelers. They are old, and slow. And they lost their speed on offense with Wallace. Yes, they still have brown, but sanders will be focused on this year. And I just don't trust ben to stay healthy. That is the toughest division in football boss. It wouldn't surprise me if the steelers didn't finish last.

The two MLBers they have behind Brown had 79 and 49 tackles respectively last season. So if your argument that Brown is a rookie that produces nothing, they have two MLBers more than capable behind him that have produced in the NFL and are worthy of starting. So either way, they will have okay MLBer play that their stacked OLBers, DL and CBs can mask.

06-05-2013, 06:26 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-3037187	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

06-28-2013, 11:58 AM	#1252
Chris Meck MVP Join Date: May 2001 Location: midtown KC Casino cash: $-1415090	The Donkos are NOT that good. I don't think anyone ought to be handing them the division just yet. Top to bottom, I think KC's roster is better.
Posts: 19,476