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As with all issues, there's an argument both ways. But people have polarized opinions.
Alex Smith DOES help the defense when he's playing good, efficient football. And when Smith is on in efficiency, the Chiefs are a tough, tough team. It reminds me of a hitter who always goes to a full count vs. a hitter that always swings at the first pitch. Sure, a free-swinger will have more chances to hit the ball, but the hitter who works the count wears down the pitcher which is good for the team. The strategy works. Much as people go ga ga over Aaron Rodgers and Brees, Russell Wilson and Flacco and Eli and Big Ben have won lots of playoff games with this approach.
Smith should be criticized for a few reasons... 1) if you're going to manage games this way, you better know how to close games. Smith has been below average at that. 2) you better be consistent. Smith has not been consistent and he seems to manage games even when behind. So no... I don't think Smith suddenly becomes clutch. He can't consistently win big games this way so I don't want to see him improve the defense. He needs to do what he can to build big enough leads that he doesn't have to close games (but not to the point of forcing shootouts).
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