We have been going around in circles on this question since Kansas City Chiefs general manager John Dorsey traded for quarterback Alex Smith in the 2013 offseason. How good is Smith, and is he good enough to win the Super Bowl?
Smith has never been much for statistics. In his 11th season in the NFL, Smith has never thrown for more than 3,313 yards or 23 touchdowns, with both of those numbers coming in 2013. Smith had a mediocre 2014 behind a leaky offensive line and with few weapons, throwing for 3,265 yards and 18 touchdowns. By no means is Smith prolific, but he is a winner.
Over the last four years, Smith has guided his team to a winning record each time. In 2011, Smith was a few muffed returns away from leading the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl. The following year, Smith and the 49ers were rolling again before Smith got knocked out with a concussion, losing his job to Colin Kaepernick. The 49ers went onto the Super Bowl that year, only to lose in the end.
With the Chiefs, Smith has guided the team to respectability along with a punishing ground attack and a formidable defense. This year, Smith threw for 193 yards and three touchdowns in the first half against the Houston Texans, but since has tossed two picks, no touchdowns and racked up just 241 passing yards.
So, where do you rank him compared to other NFL quarterbacks?
Personally, I have the following quarterbacks as better players:
Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Drew Brees, Matthew Stafford, Russell Wilson, Tony Romo, Carson Palmer, Philip Rivers, Andrew Luck and Matt Ryan.
Here’s who would be considered on Smith’s level:
Joe Flacco, Ryan Tannehill, Eli Manning, Cam Newton, Andy Dalton
So, Smith would rank between 12th and 17th, depending on where he falls in the above category. I would put him above all of those quarterbacks with the exception of Flacco, making him the 13th-best quarterback in the NFL. Why? Because he wins.
Smith does not turn the ball over, he is very mobile and exceedingly accurate. Smith will never be flashy, but he gets the job done. If you look at the group I have him in, you will see three Super Bowl victories.
Addicts, where do you have Smith?