Nov 29, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws a pass during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
1. Pass the ball Alex Smith.
Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith has been good, not great, during the Chiefs current win streak. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of his game of late has been his ability to not create turnovers. Smith is on a long streak of consecutive passes with out a interception. Smith currently has 283 pass attempts without a pick, and the team has gone five games as well without a turnover, thank in part to the cautious signal caller.
Smith’s “game manager” name may be viewed as negative at times, but there is no denying that he takes care of the ball and puts his team in the best position to win. He limits the turnovers, and the sacks he was getting at the beginning of the year, he is now using his legs to extend plays and gain first downs. But for the Chiefs to win this game, Alex will need to pass the ball and keep passing it effectively, the very thing he has been doing over the last five games.
The Raiders currently rank 29th in the NFL for passing defense and this is good news for KC, a team who is finding their stride through the air. If the Chiefs look to beat the Raiders using their offense they need to pass and get the ball to their playmakers.
Next: Secondaries of Defense