Alex Smith: I’m Trying To Lead The Team In Wins
Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
The Kansas City Chiefs are continuing their OTA (organized team activities) practices this week and yesterday, QB Alex Smith was asked about a number of topics, including WR Dwayne Bowe’s pronouncement that he (Bowe) would lead the NFL in receptions.
“I’m not worried about that,” said Smith in comments distributed by the Chiefs. “I’m really trying to lead the team in wins. It would be great, but that’s such a long way off. I’m not thinking about that to be honest. Not at all. Jacksonville is the date we’re all looking at. It’s all we care about. We have a lot of practices to get ready, and we need a lot of practices to get ready for that game. We have to play a lot of catch up. We don’t have the luxury of having been together for years and been in the same system. We’re playing catch up right now. We have to make up a lot of ground.”
Just days ago, Bowe got a little boastful to the media, declaring that RB Jamaal Charles would lead the league and rushing. Bowe then added that he would lead the NFL in receptions and TDs.
For his part, Smith isn’t getting caught up in any talk of stats. He seems to be focused on getting his teammates ready for the season while also learning the differences between Andy Reid’s offense and the one he ran in San Francisco.
“It’s hard to compare or to put in words,” said Smith when asked about the similarities between the two offensive systems. “Obviously, a lot further along, to say the least, but still a long ways off from where we need to go. I think we’re definitely making strides. We have to continue to do it.”
Smith said the key to getting comfortable will simply be repetition and volume.
“For me, it’s one thing, I like the volume, Said Smith. “I like the amount they’re throwing at us during the offseason. I like how much the coaches are demanding of us. It’s a great thing. They continue to push us. They expect a lot out of us, everybody. I think it’s going to make a difference come the fall.”
Early reports out of OTAs indicate that the offense is a bit behind the defense but is traditionally the case early on in the practice process. If Smith and the Chiefs can catch up to the defense in a hurry, KC could have a much more balanced team in 2013 than it did in 2012.