Oakland Raiders Vs. The AFC West: Quarterbacks

Dec 21, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback

(11) throws a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Smith

There is nothing flashy or exciting about Alex Smith as a quarterback. Nor is there anything that makes you feel like with everything on the line, that he can go out there and win it for you. About the best that can be said for Smith, is that he is sometimes an effective game manager. And other times, he’s an absolute dumpster fire.

The best way to think about Smith is that he’s another incarnation of Trent Dilfer – without the Super Bowl ring.

Live Feed

Niner Noise

Yes, Smith threw for more than 3,000 yards last season. And he did have 18 touchdowns against six interceptions in his 15 starts. But not a single one of his touchdowns went to a wide receiver, and that’s a bit of a problem. That’s actually a pretty big problem. Of Smith’s 18 touchdowns in 2014, nine went to running backs and nine went to the tight ends.

Smith is a smart player who thrives on short and intermediate routes. But throwing the deep ball is not something he seems comfortable with, nor is it something he seems particularly adept at – which could partially help explain his lack of scoring tosses to his wideouts in 2014.

The Chiefs are hoping that the addition of Jeremy Maclin this offseason is going to make Smith a better quarterback. But that’s a lot of hoping for a bus that’s just not coming. Maclin says that Smith has a receiver he can trust. But what Maclin should be asking is if he has a quarterback he can trust.

Smith isn’t terrible. But he’s not wonderful, either. He’s just sort of there. Which puts him at number four in the AFC West.

Next: The Young Gunslinger