Chiefs LNBS: Can Alex Smith be "Fixed"? - Page 3

**BossChief** · 01-16-2015, 10:40 PM

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?

**AustinChief** · 01-16-2015, 11:15 PM

If by "fixed" you mean downfield passing then yes. He has proven that he can hit open WRs downfield. We just never have any. It won't be a wide open offense because that isn't what we run and we don't have the O-line for it anyway. Our #1 priority has to be WR that can get consistent SEPARATION if we expect to have any success with Smith. Bowe is not that guy, never has been.

If we get the WRs we need and Smith still falters than that's fine, we should (if we aren't idiots) have someone groomed to step in by then. If the QBs we have now (Bray, Murray) look like they can't do it we need to look at drafting another in the 3rd this year.

O.city · 01-16-2015, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

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.

Look at what Desean Jackson got and similar WRs.

I don't think Maclin and Cobb will break the bank my any means.

**BossChief** · 01-16-2015, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

Not trying to make excuses here. Alex needs to grow a pair of nuts.

He seemed comfortable throwing deep to Avery in 2013...we need 2 receivers that can get open and be on time like he did.

I think it's possible.

I'm still on the fence with Alex Smith...haven't entirely given up on him yet.

**BossChief** · 01-16-2015, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

Look at what Desean Jackson got and similar WRs.

I don't think Maclin and Cobb will break the bank my any means.

Jackson came with MAJOR red flags.

O.city · 01-16-2015, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Jackson came with MAJOR red flags.

But no injury history like Maclin.

**BossChief** · 01-16-2015, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AustinChief

If by "fixed" you mean downfield passing then yes. He has proven that he can hit open WRs downfield. We just never have any. It won't be a wide open offense because that isn't what we run and we don't have the O-line for it anyway. Our #1 priority has to be WR that can get consistent SEPARATION if we expect to have any success with Smith. Bowe is not that guy, never has been.

If we get the WRs we need and Smith still falters than that's fine, we should (if we aren't idiots) have someone groomed to step in by then. If the QBs we have now (Bray, Murray) look like they can't do it we need to look at drafting another in the 3rd this year.

Nothing on this roster should keep them from drafting a quarterback in the third AT THE LATEST.

I'd be thrilled if they drafted a quarterback in the first.

**DaneMcCloud** · 01-16-2015, 11:21 PM

31 year athletes rarely change their spots.

I think his Buster Douglas moment was the Indy playoff game.

Then he went back to being Buster Douglas.

O.city · 01-16-2015, 11:22 PM

Same with Decker last year.

I just don't see Cobb or Maclin making more than 8 per.

**AustinChief** · 01-16-2015, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Nothing on this roster should keep them from drafting a quarterback in the third AT THE LATEST.

I'd be thrilled if they drafted a quarterback in the first.

Not sure there is one worth drafting in the 1st compared to WR value there. 2nd maybe... 3rd more likely... 4th and beyond is the same long shot garbage waste of a pick.

O.city · 01-16-2015, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

Nothing on this roster should keep them from drafting a quarterback in the third AT THE LATEST.

I'd be thrilled if they drafted a quarterback in the first.

I don't think the value will be there for one in the first this year.

Maybe a guy like Hundley in the second or something though.

**BossChief** · 01-16-2015, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

31 year athletes rarely change their spots.

I think his Buster Douglas moment was the Indy playoff game.

Then he went back to being Buster Douglas.

He played well against NO in the playoffs, too.

Vernon Davis will probably hit the open market and I expect us to try our best to land him in FA. He will probably be less than 5/yr on a short term deal and that opens things up for is to draft receivers.

What you say is possible, but it's also possible that once we upgrade 3 starting positions that we had f quality players at to guys that are cs and bs (maybe even get a steal with DGB and land an a on a 4 year cheap contract) that they guy can consistently play at a level higher than a typical game manager.

**cdcox** · 01-16-2015, 11:29 PM

Alex Smith has thrown to 3 WRs that have 1000 yard seasons but he has never thrown 1000 yards to a receiver in a season. Giving him WRs is a waste of money.

**DaneMcCloud** · 01-16-2015, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

He played well against NO in the playoffs, too.

Vernon Davis will probably hit the open market and I expect us to try our best to land him in FA. He will probably be less than 5/yr on a short term deal and that opens things up for is to draft receivers.

What you say is possible, but it's also possible that once we upgrade 3 starting positions that we had f quality players at to guys that are cs and bs (maybe even get a steal with DGB and land an a on a 4 year cheap contract) that they guy can consistently play at a level higher than a typical game manager.

I don't think that Alex Smith will ever be "bad". He's a great leader, great personality, hard working and smart. I think that 2011-2013 proved that he can be good. I just don't think he'll ever be great.

I truly hope I'm wrong.

O.city · 01-16-2015, 11:31 PM

They need WR's that can get quick separation (said ad nauseum around here). He didn't have a problem throwing to ALbert Wilson when he was open.

Just go get WR's. If he won't throw to them, find some one who can. Win Win.

**BossChief** · 01-16-2015, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

I don't think the value will be there for one in the first this year.

Maybe a guy like Hundley in the second or something though.

Alex is 31. They need to try and drAft their high ceiling kid to sit and learn ala Rodgers.

I come into this year less prepared than most. Was very busy and didn't get to watch the qbs as much as I usually like to.

I like the prospect of Andy Reid being given a guy with top shelf tools to free up the cap space Chase Daniel takes up.

01-16-2015, 10:40 PM
BossChief SuperBowl or bust Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: BF Iowa Casino cash: $1724088	LNBS: Can Alex Smith be "Fixed"? 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?
Posts: 47,150

01-16-2015, 11:15 PM	#31
AustinChief Administrator Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Austin Casino cash: $2499112	If by "fixed" you mean downfield passing then yes. He has proven that he can hit open WRs downfield. We just never have any. It won't be a wide open offense because that isn't what we run and we don't have the O-line for it anyway. Our #1 priority has to be WR that can get consistent SEPARATION if we expect to have any success with Smith. Bowe is not that guy, never has been. If we get the WRs we need and Smith still falters than that's fine, we should (if we aren't idiots) have someone groomed to step in by then. If the QBs we have now (Bray, Murray) look like they can't do it we need to look at drafting another in the 3rd this year.
Posts: 19,544

01-16-2015, 11:21 PM	#37
DaneMcCloud Supporter Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Hollywood, CA Casino cash: $10053648	31 year athletes rarely change their spots. I think his Buster Douglas moment was the Indy playoff game. Then he went back to being Buster Douglas.
Posts: 88,960

01-16-2015, 11:22 PM	#38
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2584064	Same with Decker last year. I just don't see Cobb or Maclin making more than 8 per.
Posts: 81,361

01-16-2015, 11:29 PM	#42
cdcox www.nfl-forecast.com Join Date: Sep 2000 Casino cash: $2261769	Alex Smith has thrown to 3 WRs that have 1000 yard seasons but he has never thrown 1000 yards to a receiver in a season. Giving him WRs is a waste of money.
Posts: 45,543

01-16-2015, 11:31 PM	#44
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2584064	They need WR's that can get quick separation (said ad nauseum around here). He didn't have a problem throwing to ALbert Wilson when he was open. Just go get WR's. If he won't throw to them, find some one who can. Win Win.
Posts: 81,361