Chiefs Teicher:Prodded by Andy Reid, Chiefs QB Alex Smith learning to be more aggressive - Page 85

**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** · 06-28-2013, 12:05 PM

Anyone penciling in the Pats as a Super Bowl contender hasn't taken into account the loss of Wes Welker and Aaron Hernandez, not to mention Gronkowski's endless health issues.

They've had a terrible defense as of late with no running game. They don't have any one special on the perimeters either offensively or defensively. They might still win the division because the Dolphins and Bills are young (and the Jets are a mess) but I don't see them making much noise in the playoffs, if they get there.

mcaj22 · 06-28-2013, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

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.

I agree, and it would be the team we would be chasing, as the Bengals and Ravens probably have the Steelers outclassed.

I still don't think we can hang with the Colts, who have a WC essentially locked up until the Texans **** up.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-28-2013, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaj22

I agree, and it would be the team we would be chasing, as the Bengals and Ravens probably have the Steelers outclassed.

I still don't think we can hang with the Colts, who have a WC essentially locked up until the Texans **** up.

The Ravens and Bengals should be in a dogfight for the division in 2013. If both teams remain healthy, both are virtual locks for the playoffs.

The Texans are a very good team but with improvements to Indy, Tennessee and even Jacksonville, I doubt they'll dominate the division. It really comes down to the changes in Indy, with Arians in Phoenix and Pagano as the head coach.

KCUnited · 06-28-2013, 12:10 PM

I agree about the Pats falling off in 2013, but they did have a top 10 rushing attack last year.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-28-2013, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaj22

I agree, and it would be the team we would be chasing, as the Bengals and Ravens probably have the Steelers outclassed.

I still don't think we can hang with the Colts, who have a WC essentially locked up until the Texans **** up.

The bottom line is this: If the Chiefs win eleven games, they're in the playoffs. Anything less substantially decreases their odds.

ChiefsCountry · 06-28-2013, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Anyone penciling in the Pats as a Super Bowl contender hasn't taken into account the loss of Wes Welker and Aaron Hernandez, not to mention Gronkowski's endless health issues.

Tom Brady is still the quarterback in New England. Its still safe to pencil them in as a contender.

Rasputin · 06-28-2013, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

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

Nah you are just saying that because you don't agree. If I put on my homer glasses & thought all is well with Alex Smith then we would be agreeing with each other. Isn't that scary?

I don't care what you think of my football knowledge. We don't agree doesn't make me wrong or you wrong until they play & we find out how it all works out this season. I'm rooting for the Chiefs to win a playoff game and hope for a Super Bowl just as much as you, but I have to see it to believe it.

mcaj22 · 06-28-2013, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

The Ravens and Bengals should be in a dogfight for the division in 2013. If both teams remain healthy, both are virtual locks for the playoffs.

The Texans are a very good team but with improvements to Indy, Tennessee and even Jacksonville, I doubt they'll dominate the division. It really comes down to the changes in Indy, with Arians in Phoenix and Pagano as the head coach.

I think the Colts are on the rise and will only get better. Isn't it Luck's buddy calling the playbook now. The chemistry is still there. It's his system and the sky is the limit for them.

I dont believe there are any improvements to Tennessee or Jacksonville, two teams that will still be terrible and beat on by good teams next year.

Chris Meck · 06-28-2013, 12:12 PM

I agree that Denver's weakness is defense. I really think their secondary and LB corps are suspect.

Sandy Vagina · 06-28-2013, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maverick91579

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.

Agree, minus the probably not bit. If Alex had gone to an already hated team, well then **** him, I say. ( I'd still want success for him, but would not support such teams ) Alex went to KC, and there has always been elements to KC football that I like.

**Mav** · 06-28-2013, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaj22

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.

Fair enough. I hope for my browns sake you are wrong lol.

Rasputin · 06-28-2013, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Meck

I agree that Denver's weakness is defense. I really think their secondary and LB corps are suspect.

I want to see Chump Baily fall flat on his face. Better yet I want to see Dwayne Bowe stiff arm him into the dirt.

**** Chump Baily & the Broncows.

**Mav** · 06-28-2013, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac-NinersChiefs

Agree, minus the probably not bit. If Alex had gone to an already hated team, well then **** him, I say. ( I'd still want success for him, but would not support such teams ) Alex went to KC, and there has always been elements to KC football that I like.

Yes, there are teams that Alex could of went to that I might of kept an eye on him, but I wouldn't of actively rooted for him to succeed. Here, in Kansas City, I feel he can be a part of something great, and I love the majority of their fan base.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-28-2013, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

Nah you are just saying that because you don't agree. If I put on my homer glasses & thought all is well with Alex Smith then we would be agreeing with each other. Isn't that scary?

You're logic is ridiculously flawed.

It has NOTHING to do with being a "Homer". It has to do with the fact that you don't like this move, only because the Chiefs traded for Matt Cassel and Trent Green.

It has NOTHING to do with the fact the there's a new head coach and coaching staff, a new GM and scouting staff and both new offensive and defensive philosophies.

You're just stuck on something that is completely irrelevant and clearly doesn't take into the fact that there was NO ONE available on the free agent market or the draft (despite your undying love for a second round QB that's completely flawed).

You've bought into GoChiefs' flawed narrative. Period.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Tattoo

I don't care what you think of my football knowledge. We don't agree doesn't make me wrong or you wrong until they play & we find out how it all works out this season.

You were most certainly wrong about how the NFL viewed Geno Smith. Before that gigantic mess, I had absolutely no idea you even existed in this forum.

0-1.

**DaneMcCloud** · 06-28-2013, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcaj22

I think the Colts are on the rise and will only get better. Isn't it Luck's buddy calling the playbook now. The chemistry is still there. It's his system and the sky is the limit for them.

I dont believe there are any improvements to Tennessee or Jacksonville, two teams that will still be terrible and beat on by good teams next year.

Tennessee added LeVitre and Warmack, so if anything, their running game should be improved. Jacksonville has a new coaching staff and defensive philosophy. They may not be much improved in terms of record but they won't likely be a pushover.

Regardless, it's always difficult to sweep your divisional opponents. The Texans, for instance, have never won in Indy.

06-05-2013, 06:26 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2997187	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: 43,454

06-28-2013, 12:05 PM	#1261
DaneMcCloud Supporter Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Hollywood, CA Casino cash: $10053648	Anyone penciling in the Pats as a Super Bowl contender hasn't taken into account the loss of Wes Welker and Aaron Hernandez, not to mention Gronkowski's endless health issues. They've had a terrible defense as of late with no running game. They don't have any one special on the perimeters either offensively or defensively. They might still win the division because the Dolphins and Bills are young (and the Jets are a mess) but I don't see them making much noise in the playoffs, if they get there.
Posts: 88,960

06-28-2013, 12:10 PM	#1264
KCUnited Cheat Death Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Land of Drincoln Casino cash: $-1621756	I agree about the Pats falling off in 2013, but they did have a top 10 rushing attack last year.
Posts: 36,999

06-28-2013, 12:12 PM	#1269
Chris Meck MVP Join Date: May 2001 Location: midtown KC Casino cash: $-1375090	I agree that Denver's weakness is defense. I really think their secondary and LB corps are suspect.
Posts: 19,466