Chiefs not considering benching Alex Smith for Patrick Mahomes this season

[thegame214]

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/c...s-this-season/


Per Jason La Canfora


Despite their recent struggles on offense, the Chiefs are not inclined to make any switch at quarterback, team sources said, though the staff does remain very bullish on first-round pick Patrick Mahomes and his ability to take over as soon as next season. Mahomes continues to impress teammates and coaches with his efforts in practice and how he conducts himself in meetings and around the facility, and there is a strong sense that he could be a franchise quarterback sooner rather than later.

Even with their recent falloff in the passing game and running game, and with Mahomes' athleticism and huge arm, there is no movement to move on from veteran Alex Smith now and the only way he would lose his job would be to injury, sources said. Smith has tailed off from what was an MVP-like first half, with the Chiefs storming to a 5-0 record and being talked about as perhaps the best team in football.

They've gone into a 1-4 swoon since then and face a critical AFC game with the Bills this weekend, with the Chargers suddenly surging in the AFC West and the Raiders still capable of making a run, too. Smith has failed to maintain the big plays downfield that helped the team get off to such a torrid start -- the dink-and-dunk nature of the offense under him was part of the allure of Mahomes in the draft, as his gunslinger approach is the opposite of that -- and rookie running back Kareem Hunt has been bottled up as well.

Smith is coming off his worst game of the season in a loss to the lowly Giants coming out of the bye. He threw multiple interceptions, which is out of character for him. Coach Andy Reid was somewhat critical of his play after that, but Smith continues to get the bulk of starting reps and is entrusted with getting this team to the postseason.

However, numerous other GMs anticipate the Chiefs shopping Smith, who has one year left on his contract, in the offseason. He is signed to a team-friendly deal that is easy to deal, he would have significant value to any contending team that may want to upgrade at quarterback (Jacksonville; Arizona or Denver if they opt not to rebuild) and he is a proven, steady hand who teammates love and who protects the football (almost to a fault). The Chiefs seem poised to turn the offense over to Mahomes and it would be anything but a surprise should Smith leave Kansas City via trade after arriving there from a swap with the 49ers upon Reid's hiring.

[Hammock Parties]

Originally Posted by RunKC

So we're going back to the same stadium that Alex couldn't play in 2 weeks ago with the same weather that forced ducks into the ground.
Weather is projected to be cloudy, below 50 with wind.

This will not end well.

[sedated]

Originally Posted by KCrockaholic

So we're literally stuck having to root for the Chargers or Raiders to take 1st place before ignorant Andy will make the switch. What a stupid season this has become.

It's not happening.

And frankly it seems the conspiracy theories are a bit overblown. If they see Mahomes in practice every week making amazing throws but looking like a middle schooler trying to take college classes when it comes to learning a pro-style offense, then they are right to be nervous about throwing him out there. It is entirely possible that he could get into the game and simply have no clue what to do.

[ARROW2]

Originally Posted by sedated

It's not happening.

And frankly it seems the conspiracy theories are a bit overblown. If they see Mahomes in practice every week making amazing throws but looking like a middle schooler trying to take college classes when it comes to learning a pro-style offense, then they are right to be nervous about throwing him out there. It is entirely possible that he could get into the game and simply have no clue what to do.

Does Alex look like he has a clue? **** it, sandlot this shit if you have to, I don't give a ****.

[ARROW2]

Originally Posted by bigjosh

I am not getting my hopes up for a change.

It is literally the only reason I am still watching this shit team, so that I dont miss Mahomes first NFL snaps. I think it is a lost cause this year. Reid is too much of a pussy to make the change.

I know, you're not there yet fatass? you have other shit to do? What the flying ****?!!!!

[notorious]

Originally Posted by sedated

It's not happening.

And frankly it seems the conspiracy theories are a bit overblown. If they see Mahomes in practice every week making amazing throws but looking like a middle schooler trying to take college classes when it comes to learning a pro-style offense, then they are right to be nervous about throwing him out there. It is entirely possible that he could get into the game and simply have no clue what to do.

The Chiefs used 2 1st rounders for this kid. Reid is a QB genius. If Mahomes isn't grasping the offense at this point Reid has horrific judgement on QBs AND the genius label is fraudulent.

[gold_and_red]

Originally Posted by notorious

The Chiefs used 2 1st rounders for this kid. Reid is a QB genius. If Mahomes isn't grasping the offense at this point Reid has horrific judgement on QBs AND the genius label is fraudulent.

I think the QB genius label went out of the window long time ago with his bad judgment on Alex.

[tk13]

Originally Posted by notorious

The Chiefs used 2 1st rounders for this kid. Reid is a QB genius. If Mahomes isn't grasping the offense at this point Reid has horrific judgement on QBs AND the genius label is fraudulent.

I wouldn't go that far yet. It was pretty well agreed even among the people who liked Mahomes that he was a pretty raw prospect. Way less polished and experienced compared to someone like Watson, but much more physical talent.

[Easy 6]

Originally Posted by sedated

It's not happening.

And frankly it seems the conspiracy theories are a bit overblown. If they see Mahomes in practice every week making amazing throws but looking like a middle schooler trying to take college classes when it comes to learning a pro-style offense, then they are right to be nervous about throwing him out there. It is entirely possible that he could get into the game and simply have no clue what to do.

If thats the case, then bring on Bray to give us a vertical element... something HAS to change

[OKchiefs]

Originally Posted by notorious

The Chiefs used 2 1st rounders for this kid. Reid is a QB genius. If Mahomes isn't grasping the offense at this point Reid has horrific judgement on QBs AND the genius label is fraudulent.

I certainly don't hold this opinion, but I think it needs to be asked if we made the wrong decision taking Mahomes over Watson? Why is Watson able to come in week 1 and hit the ground running? You'd think them making Mahomes the backup would show that they were pleased with his progress, but it seems like they have no trust in him at all. I'm not really sure what to think about all of this.

[tk13]

Originally Posted by OKchiefs

I certainly don't hold this opinion, but I think it needs to be asked if we made the wrong decision taking Mahomes over Watson? Why is Watson able to come in week 1 and hit the ground running? You'd think them making Mahomes the backup would show that they were pleased with his progress, but it seems like they have no trust in him at all. I'm not really sure what to think about all of this.

Don't get worked up over it. Mahomes was the less polished/higher ceiling prospect. I'd imagine if Tom Savage was the Chiefs QB we would have already seen Mahomes but there was no reason to rush him when you have an established starter who can get you into the playoffs. I think we're to the point where you could throw him out there but Reid knows once you make the switch there's no going back, so Mahomes needs to do well. I'm over Alex Smith at this point but that's no reason to mess with Mahomes development. That's a panic move.

[bigjosh]

Reid: "Alex is my guy."

— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) November 27, 2017

posted this in another thread, but it probably belongs here.

[arrwheader]

Originally Posted by OKchiefs

I certainly don't hold this opinion, but I think it needs to be asked if we made the wrong decision taking Mahomes over Watson? Why is Watson able to come in week 1 and hit the ground running? You'd think them making Mahomes the backup would show that they were pleased with his progress, but it seems like they have no trust in him at all. I'm not really sure what to think about all of this.

Personally, I think he would do fine. Definitely better than Smith the last few games. However, I think there is reluctance to start him because Andy runs a complex offense and Mahomes probably doesn't have it all down yet. He would then have to go more vanilla with his play calling and once teams got tape on PM then it would mean some trouble for the offense.

Where that logic is flawed is that PM2 has the play making potential of Brett Favre or so Andy has been on record comparing him too so play the kid and see if he can sling it all over and to the superbowl.

**** it, Alex Smith isn't taking this team anywhere and that is fact. If you lose to the Giants and then lay the egg he just did yesterday against a average at best Bills team you aren't doing shit. Both of those losses are square on Smith and no one fears him.

Stack the box and play zone and beat the Chiefs. Replace Smith with a Gunslinger and that doesn't work anymore its as simple as that.

[OKchiefs]

I'm just to the point where I don't expect any resolution for a long time still. Alex is likely going to start the rest of the season regardless of his performance. I also would put money on him still being on the roster going into OTAs and Andy will still be towing the company line of "He's our guy." I don't expect this torture to ever end.

[greg63]

Well, we can't devalue Smith's trade value or have a QB controversy...or success for that matter.

[ptlyon]

Originally Posted by greg63

Well, we can't devalue Smith's trade value or have a QB controversy...or success for that matter.

Success is in the stands, and don't you forget it, mister!