Chiefs Trust Alex Smith’s Legs
By Paul Heitman
John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Coordinator Doug Pederson spoke to the media on Thursday, and one point he made early is that the team is comfortable with Alex Smith running the ball when he gets the chance. Here’s what he had to say:
"“[I]t’s in him to run, I mean he did that in college and in his NFL career he’s done that. He’s very instinctive that way. It’s something you can’t teach. He knows when to go, he knows when to get down and protect himself, and it’s good to see that he’s been able to pick up that many first downs from that.”"
Alex Smith currently ranks 5th in rushing yards by a Quarterback, ahead of guys like Robert Griffin III and Cam Newton. Fifty-three percent of his 259 rushing yards have come on 3rd down. His rushing yards on 3rd down ranks 1st in the NFL, illustrating that his scrambles are coming in key situations. He’s gotten 13 first downs with his legs, which ranks 6th in the league. The 5 players that rank ahead of him all have more carries, with the exception of Michael Vick.
What do you think, Addicts? Are you comfortable with Smith running the ball like he has so far this season?