LNBS: Can Alex Smith be "Fixed"?

[BossChief]

Part of me wants to think so.

We saw flashes in 2013 of him testing defenses downfield and being a lot more than a game manager.

Then his OL got severely downgraded through 3 big losses in free agency (all 3 got overpaid) and his 2 guards weren't even nfl quality, let alone starter quality.

His receivers needed a major upgrade last offseason (they were an obvious team weakness) and other than adding Jason Avant late in the year and developing a promising rookie in Albert Wilson...not a whole lot was done to help provide Alex Smith with adequate weapons. Losing Avery to injury further weakened an already subpar unit.

Here's my question:

If they improve the OL and receivers...will we see Alex Smith come out of his shell again (like we saw flashes of in the second half of 2013)?

If he does, how far can this team go if the defense plays like it has and Dee Ford steps into Hali's shoes adequately?

[keg in kc]

No. I don't think he can be fixed. Just have to hope the squad around him can be significantly enough improved and the playcalling/scheme can be sufficiently creative to render his limitations less...limiting. I think that's the most we can expect. He isn't going to turn into Aaron Rodgers at this point. Best we can hope for is probably a poor man's Rich Gannon.

Be really happy to be pleasantly surprised, but two years in it hasn't happened so far.

[Easy 6]

Originally Posted by Mr_Tomahawk

If he isnt as flat out stupid as so many believe, we just might have a shot... but I'm not gonna hold my breath.

Reid seems to be leaning towards these weaker armed but somewhat more accurate and mobile types that are better suited to executing his new "three yards and a cloud of tackled short of the marker" offense.

[TribalElder]

2 minute drill throwing less than 5 yard passes

You can't make this shit up

[TribalElder]

Edit

Only a sophomore :shit:

[O.city]

By improving the OL (drastically, we hope) and upgrading the offensive weapons around him, yeah, he could be better.

Fixed though?

Don't think so. He's got the yips.

[Easy 6]

Originally Posted by BossChief

No way should they sign one.

They need to draft 2.

That way, if Alex doesn't step up...the next guy will have some weapons to throw to.

I was strictly joking there, man.

My point was good luck bringing in an elite and prideful vet receiver when dude knows the QB here couldnt throw even one touchdown to a receiver across 16 games... it would seem like a damn near impossible task for Dorsey to pitch this offense to someone without paying through the nose.

[O.city]

If you're going to sign a WR free agent, it needs to be a young one that can be around for a while.

[Hoover]

I don't think he's broken.

Our offense is similar to the Saints but with a better running back.

Top receiver is a TE.

Kelse: 67 rec 862 yds 9 tds
Graham: 85 rec 889 yds 10 tds

Now the saints WRs caught 11 TDs and racked up 2300 yards.

Now the yardage might be difficult for Alex, but I think with better oline play and an upgraded WR corps he can get to that level.

[BossChief]

I think it's severely understated how bad the guard play was for KC last year.

I'm of the opinion that if we draft/sign 2 STARTING CALIBUR guards that can move well in space as well as strong enough to run the ball in short yardage, that alone will massively upgrade the offense as a whole.

They do that while restructuring Bowe to a reasonable rate and drafting DGB or another playmaker at receiver to pair with DAT, Kelce, Charkes and Davis and this offense can be pretty fun to watch.

[O.city]

They won't ever win anything of importance if he doesn't atleast get the passing game in the top halfish of the league.

[O.city]

While I think the WR spot needs more talent obviously, DAT and WIlson need to take huge steps as WR's next year.

[Mother****erJones]

No. He is what he is. It's been proven time and time again.

[cdcox]

This is the NFL. Elite defensive lines that you face in the playoffs will get pressure. You will get behind by 10 points or more. The OL will never be good enough for Alex Smith to lead a dynasty. Why is this even a question? Alex Smith will never be Troy Aikman or Joe Flacco, which is what you guys are hoping for.

[BossChief]

Originally Posted by O.city

If you're going to sign a WR free agent, it needs to be a young one that can be around for a while.

Can't get caught paying big money to a free agent receiver unless you are POSITIVE he can come right into your system and be a cost effective use of resources.

I don't think anyone that will be available matches that description.

Maybe Maclin if the cost is 7-8 per year...but I think he can get more somewhere that has a proven quarterback that throws to the perimeter.

[O.city]

Originally Posted by cdcox

This is the NFL. Elite defensive lines that you face in the playoffs will get pressure. You will get behind by 10 points or more. The OL will never be good enough for Alex Smith to lead a dynasty. Why is this even a question? Alex Smith will never be Troy Aikman or Joe Flacco, which is what you guys are hoping for.

I don't necessarily agree with the elite defense part. 1 of the 4 teams left have that.

They have the QB's though.

Urban Meyer talked about it, but unless you've got that elite franchise QB (Rodgers, Brady, etc) the success or failure of your QB and ultimately team, rely s more on how well or poor the squad around them plays.

The Chiefs have to keep putting talent around Alex SMith and increasing talent on the roster, while looking for the next Rodgers or next signal caller.