As always seems to be the case, some are ready to put Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith’s starting job under threat with the arrival of rookie Patrick Mahomes, but the Chiefs themselves are not in that camp.
General manager Brett Veach, for instance, explained why Smith is still the clear No. 1 quarterback — and it doesn’t necessarily have to do with his physical tools.
“Alex is our quarterback,” Veach said, via Sydney Ringdahl of the team’s official website. “Alex is so far advanced from the mental side of things in regards to his ability to read coverages, to shift to better plays and really play the chess game. He’s so far ahead of what Pat is. I don’t think it’s even close right now.
“But going back to Pat, the development he has made and the strides he has taken in those departments has exceeded our expectations to this point. So we’re excited where we are and again the longer that Alex and Pat are together, the better we will be.”
Smith has always gotten by more on his mental ability as opposed to his physical tools. Many thought that the selection of Mahomes in the first round spelled the imminent end of Smith’s time as Chiefs starter, but Smith was at least clued in on the pick and clearly maintains the full confidence of the organization.
