Clark Hunt on Alex Smith: ‘we hope it’s longer than a two-year stay’
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) on the sidelines during the second quarter of the 2013 AFC wild card playoff football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The Kansas City Chiefs turnaround between the 2012 and 2013 seasons is one of the greatest in NFL history, and the defense was at the center of it. John Dorsey and Andy Reid have also received a vast amount of praise for their work in changing the culture around Kansas City, and it’s been incredible watching how hard Dorsey works to consistently do the little things like constantly working out players in order to update his emergency list. The Chiefs are definitely a team on the rise, and they could become a truly scary team if they are able to upgrade at wide receiver.
Alex Smith had a very good 2013 campaign, and I don’t think people praise him enough for his role in the turnaround. I mean, you only have to take a quick glance at either the stats or the “tape” to see just how much better Smith is than Matt Cassel. The difference is enormous, especially as far as accuracy, decision-making, and pocket presence go. Smith is tabbed as a “game manager”, but that’s not a bad thing. All it means is that Smith makes up for a lack of elite physical tools by showing great accuracy, decision-making, and poise. And honestly, I’d take those three over straight-up arm strength any day, especially JaMarcus Russell is what you get when you have arm strength without those other traits.
Chiefs owner Clark Hunt should also be praised for the fine job he has done at the helm since last year’s 2-14 finish, and he delivered some well-deserved praise to Smith today. He said, via ESPN NFL Nation’s Adam Teicher, “When we made the trade for him a year ago, that was part of the thinking..I don’t think that thinking has changed. He came in and did a nice job. We’re glad to have him as a part of the Kansas City Chiefs and we hope it’s longer than a two-year stay.”
I’m sure Chiefs fans also hope that Smith is able to stay for longer, and hopefully the Chiefs add some more pass-catching talent around him to help out one of the league’s most accurate and underrated QBs. This team wants to extend the 29-year-old, and I’m a fan of it since he doesn’t have any traits that deteriorate. Of course, extensions are always tricky business, but I trust Dorsey to show foresight in the construction of a deal.