John Dorsey Says Alex Smith Is ‘Better Than Advertised’

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs have a new QB in former 49er Alex Smith and according to GM John Dorsey, Smith is “better than advertised.”

Speaking with Kevin Kietzman of 810 Sports Radio in Kansas City, Dorsey was asked for a revised scouting report on the QB he traded two high draft picks for just a couple of months ago.

Dorsey didn’t hesitate.

“Better than advertised,” Dorsey gushed. “From a leadership standpoint, he ‘s a natural leader. Guys gravitate towards him automatically and that’s a very true sign. ”

Aside from Smith’s leadership, Dorsey also pointed out that the QBs smarts are a huge asset as he learns head coach Andy Reid’s offense.

“Intellectually, he’s absorbed this playbook as fast as anybody I’ve seen,” said Dorsey. “As coach (Reid) would say, ‘I can load him up with anything.’ And he can dissect it. If he makes one mistake, he learns from that mistake.”

Smith has long been known as an excellent practice QB. Until recently, however, he had not been able to translate his success in practice to live games. During Smith’s resurgence in San Francisco over the last two years, the QB was extremely accurate and efficient, however there seemed to still be a tentativeness to push the ball down field. Ready any scouting report on Smith and you aren’t like to find “deep ball accuracy” listed as an asset.

But listening to Dorsey, it sounds like Smith’s deep ball may be better than advertised as well.

“His pass to 20 yards, deep throws are as accurate, if not more accurate than I had originally thought,” said Dorsey. “I always knew he was a good athlete. He has more than enough arm-strength. Now it comes down to a timing thing. It comes down to timing and understanding this new offense and what he has. Getting timing with his weapons, in terms of receivers and tight ends. Understanding the impact that the running back will have in the passing game and how it will open up different lanes. It’s just about getting a broader sense of how this offense can help him succeed if he just kind of follows through.”