Kansas City Chiefs: Projecting the Starting 11 on Offense

Sep 7, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) motions on the line during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Arrowhead Stadium. The Titans won 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback: Alex Smith

While Chase Daniel has shown some promise when given an opportunity, barring injury, Smith’s role as the Chiefs’ starting quarterback is guaranteed. Many fans will complain about Smith’s lack of aggressiveness as a passer, but he simply gets the job done. He may not represent a ton of upside, but the Chiefs are undoubtedly in good hands when Smith in under center.

Smith has been the Chiefs’ starting quarterback for the last two years, after the team acquired him in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers during the 2013 off season. In his two years in Kansas City Smith has completed 62.9% of his passes for a combined 6,578 passing yards. His 41 touchdowns to only 13 interceptions over that span is extremely impressive.

While he does possess a fairly strong throwing arm, Smith has hesitated to throw the ball downfield as the Chiefs’ quarterback. When watching Smith play, he seems to make one read, and if that guy is not open he will check it down or tuck it and run. This can be frustrating to watch, but Smith has done it effectively.

Most fans would like to see Smith be more aggressive as a passer, but he really has not had proper help to make a vertical passing game work in recent years. A mixture of an inconsistent offensive line and receivers who cannot get open does not make for many downfield opportunities.

That being said, with a seemingly improved receiving core, and an offensive line with some nice upside, Smith may be in position to do some more aggressive things this season. Worst case, he is a solid and consistent game manager who is not going to kill you, but do not fool yourself, his upside is something much greater than that. Does he have the pieces in play to show that potential? Only time will tell.

Next: Offensive Backfield