Kansas City Chiefs: Expectation, Obstacles Remain the Same
By Andrew Jones
Alex Smith
Yes, Smith is an obstacle when the other two obstacles are in the same conference. Smith is not a take-charge, win the game with his arm guy. He has had his moments here and there, but he has also shown time and time again why he can’t be more than a facilitator. The playoff losses are proof that safe and selective aren’t good enough, especially in the fourth quarter. Smith and Andy Reid are fond of dialing it down six notches when they get a lead in the first half. Evidence can be found here and here.
It is not impossible to win a championship with Smith at quarterback, but other factors have to come into play. It takes at least one score on special teams or defense to defeat high quality opponents. That is something that cannot be counted on time after time. That is what lost the game in the AFC Divisional Round of the playoffs. Without those scores, the Chiefs lose at Denver, Atlanta, and possibly at home to the Raiders.
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A healthy Chiefs team can overcome both of the aforementioned obstacles and minimize the third. But when has any team gone through an entire season with a completely healthy roster? Or even a clean bill of health for their stars? The quarterback needs to be a priority this year in the draft or the Chiefs will continue to hurdle through the regular season, but trip just before the finish line.