Washington Redskins: Alex Smith making everyone forget Kirk Cousins

One week into 2018 training camp, and new Washington Redskins quarterback Alex Smith has everyone excited about what he’s capable of.

The excitement around Washington Redskins’ training camp is palpable. Gone is the non-stop chatter about former quarterback Kirk Cousins and his lingering contract issue. Now, the Redskins have a new quarterback in Alex Smith and everyone, from players to head coach Jay Gruden, is excited about the potential of this offense with Smith under center.

All throughout the offseason, coaches and players have raved about Smith. Not only are they excited about his ability to play quarterback at a high level, but also his leadership. He’s a true leader, not someone who feels he needs to be told he can be a leader. And players gravitate toward that leadership.

Running back Chris Thompson, who played with Cousins over the last five years, has praised Smith all offseason and compared the two quarterbacks a bit in a recent podcast interview with J.P. Finlay of NBC Sports Washington, as transcribed by Tyler Byrum.

"Me and Kirk, we never had any problems or anything like that. I think for the guys, what I wanted is to have a quarterback here that we know is going to be here for years to come. It was just every year we didn’t know what is gonna to happen. It wears on you, it wears on the players and now we have a guy here and we don’t have to worry about all the quarterback drama or who’s going to be the guy next year. We know he is going to be our guy for the next few years and we move on with him. Alex, he’s been in the league for a very long time and he brings some leadership with him, we’re just excited to have him."

Thompson liked Cousins, but like many other players, the constant chatter about whether or not the quarterback wanted to remain with the Redskins grew tiresome.

Not only does Washington enjoy having a quarterback who wants be a Redskin, it’s also excited about Smith’s pedigree. After struggling early in his career, Smith turned the page and enjoyed a career renaissance over the last five years with the Kansas City Chiefs. And he did it in an offense similar to the one Gruden will run.

Gruden has maintained all offseason the Redskins are better with Smith. Sure, he probably needs to say that, but Gruden is an honest guy. He truly believes his team will be better with Smith under center and opened up about the potential of his offense in 2018 with Smith, per Terez Paylor of Yahoo Sports.

"The problem I have with Alex is I don’t know what not to call — he can handle everything. He can run zone reads, he can run speed options, he can drop back and throw it deep, he can throw intermediate stuff, he can get you out of bad plays and into good plays, and he’s a great game manager who protects the football. At the end of the day, you’re gonna be in every football game you play with Alex. He’s giving you a chance to win every game."

That’s high praise. You rarely heard Gruden praise his former quarterback in that manner. Instead, Gruden would often talk about the plays Cousins left on the field, while still acknowledging he was doing a good job.

The entire team is thrilled with Smith. Still, mostly try not to bring up the former quarterback when discussing the new signal-caller. Defensive captain D.J. Swearinger was blunt when asked about Smith and his command of the offense and leadership (per Ben Standig of Sports Capitol DC):

He’s not wrong. Remember, several players are still likely a bit perturbed with Cousins seemingly making excuses about his lack of leadership in a recent interview with Bleacher Report.

For all of the excitement surrounding the Smith and the Redskins, the team still must win or these good vibes will quickly be a distant memory. Fortunately for Washington, Smith understands this better than anyone.