NFL MVP Watch: Tom Brady, Rookie Lead Week 1 Edition
Sep 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback
Alex Smith(11) runs the ball for a first down during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. The Chiefs defeated the Texans 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
7. Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs
Alex Smith picked up where he left off in 2014, failing to throw a single touchdown pass to a wide receiver. Fortunately, he managed to find the end zone enough times to give the Kansas City Chiefs a Week 1 win.
Smith completed 22-of-33 passing attempts for 243 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions as Kansas City went on the road for a 27-21 win over the Houston Texans.
Alex Smith: 4th QB in franchise history with 3 Pass TD and no interceptions in a season opener (Len Dawson, Joe Montana and Steve Bono)
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 13, 2015
This is a major change from Week 1 of the 2014 NFL Regular season, when Smith went 19-of-35 with one touchdown to three interceptions.
The hope in Kansas City is that Smith can have a career-year with a dependable No. 1 wide receiver. Tight end Travis Kelce caught two of the touchdowns and running back Jamaal Charles had another, but it’s the arrival of wideout Jeremy Maclin that has Chiefs fans so intrigued.
Smith targeted Maclin nine times in Week 1, finding him five times for 52 yards. Those aren’t elite numbers, but they showed how much Smith already trusts the long-time Andy Reid playmaker.
If Smith and Maclin can remain on the same page for 16 games, and Charles and Kelce can produce as they’re expected to, the former No. 1 overall draft pick could return to the Pro Bowl.
Next: The New Face of the Franchise