I'd argue that Smith has elevated the play of those around him. Quite easily.
This team, with basically the same starters, went 2-14 in 2013 and set NFL and franchise records for ineptitude. They were, without question, the worst team in football. And it wasn't close.
Yet, that team was comprised of super studs like Jamaal Charles, Dwayne Bowe, Tamba Hali, Derrick Johnson, Eric Berry, Brandon Albert, Dontari Poe, et al.
Within one season, you go from that horrific 2-14 to 11-5 and the playoffs. Sure, the schedule was a piece of cake, but that's a hell of a turn around in a single season. I believe it actually tied the NFL record for best turnaround in a single season. And what was the singular difference between that season and the previous one? I'll give you a hint:
(And in that playoff game, that new QB sets franchise records for QB playoff performance.)
Then, the next season, when faced with the NFL's toughest schedule, they go 9-7 and on the verge of the playoffs even though they lost four main players to IR.
Tell me that's not elevating the players around you.