Chiefs film room: Alex Smith, let it fly

We look at Alex Smith and the Kansas City Chiefs’ chances in 2016.

Sometimes you have to look at the small details to understand the larger picture. In the case of football, that is always true.

With the Kansas City Chiefs, quarterback Alex Smith has long been a lightning rod within the fan base. Is Smith one of the better signal-callers in the National Football League or is he propped up by a very good defense and quality weapons around him?

Last year, Smith began the season by throwing short and checking down as much as ever. However, many watched as Smith went from cautious to borderline carefree, throwing the ball both deep and into tight spots.

Here, we will look at how far Smith has come with some of his better throws toward the end of the year. We will also gander at how Smith can improve, recognizing that improvement still can be – and needs to be – made.

Let’s start our journey in Week 12 against the Buffalo Bills, when the Chiefs fell behind 10-0 in a driving rainstorm at Arrowhead Stadium. All looked lost on this dreary Sunday, and then Smith’s arm emerged along with gumption we didn’t know he had.

Next: Smith to Maclin