The Kansas City Chiefs hosted the Philadelphia Eagles at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday. Here are three takeaways from the game.
The Kansas City Chiefs held on to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 27-20 at home. The Chiefs almost had their hopes of starting 2-0 dashed as the Eagles were able to score a touchdown with eight seconds left in the fourth quarter and immediately recover an onside kick. The Eagles only had time for one final play, a Hail Mary pass deflected by the Chiefs secondary.
This is the second season that the Chiefs have started the season 2-0 under head coach Andy Reid. But what is there to take away from the win and the still-perfect record?
We take a look at three things coming out of the Kansas City victory.
3. Alex Smith’s status remains a question
The Chiefs began looking towards the future when they traded up to select Texas Tech product Partick Mahomes early in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. The Chiefs decided to stick with veteran quarterback Alex Smith for this season, but based on how good Mahomes looked in the preseason the belief is this would be Smith’s last year in Kansas City.
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Smith looked dedicated to silence doubt when he threw 368 yards and four touchdowns against the reigning Super Bowl champion New England Patriots in Week 1. However, Week 2 was a return to normal for Smith who only threw for 251 yards and one touchdown against the Eagles.
Smith said earlier this week that he feels this could easily be his last season in Kansas City. Many have already been discussing where Smith could end up playing next season, despite having career-high numbers in his Week 1 performance. A report also came out during the Chiefs game on Sunday, claiming the Chiefs will be listening to trade offers for Smith at the end of the season.
If Smith had continued his Week 1 performance, which would have led to a career-year for the veteran, it seems impossible that the Chiefs could decide to trade him. However, it appears Smith’s conservative play style returned in Week 2. Mahomes seems to be the opposite of Smith in every way.
Smith is a smart quarterback how relies on high percentage throws and infrequent turnovers to lead a conservative offense. Mahomes is a true gunslinger in the style of Brett Favre, who can make amazing plays with his arm and yet lacks the maturity to avoid interceptions. Smith will be looking to prove he is a viable starter in this league as the season continues. However, he will need to show more than he did on Sunday to secure his spot over Mahomes next season.