The Bad: Two-Minute Offense
Dec 7, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) is sacked by Arizona Cardinals nose tackle Dan Williams (92) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
If the outcome of any game hinges on Kansas City’s two-minute offense, spare yourself the misery and change the channel.
I’m as pro-Smith as the next person, but it’s no secret that downfield mortars aren’t his game. That being said, let’s not act like the guy is incapable of comebacks.
With 1:17 on the clock, he spearheaded one of the more memorable drives in 49ers history, crushing the Saints’ playoff hopes along the way.
Yes, there were checkdowns. There was also a 47-yard completion to Vernon Davis, though, who then snagged the game-winning score on a 14-yard strike.
The differences between now and then? Pass protection and experience.
On the aforementioned 47-yard pass to Davis, the Saints ran a twist (stunt) but couldn’t breach the line.
As evidenced in Week 13 (and every Sunday before and after), if a defense employs a stunt versus Kansas City, odds are that Smith will be greeting a “but they will never take…our freedom!” blitzkrieg by the time he plants.
Furthermore, Jason Avant just started learning the offense two weeks ago, and Kelce and Wilson each have less than a year of on-field experience.
Obviously, Smith isn’t exempt from the blame. As the game wore on, he was far from bulletproof. But you can swap him for Aaron Murray, Tyler Bray or Dan Marino; nobody is flinging downfield missiles if their pocket looks like a Black Friday sale on Bieber tickets.