Chiefs film room: Alex Smith, let it fly

This is later in the same quarter. Once again, Darby is lined up against Maclin in man coverage on the right side. This time, however, Kelce is lined up tight left with Jason Avant in the slot and Wilson far left. Ware is in the backfield with Smith in shotgun.

Once again, Buffalo has a single-high safety look. Note that this play happens at the Buffalo 41-yard line and the previous deep ball came from the 40-yard line. Head coach Andy Reid is in prime position on first down to dial up the deep ball again.

The only differences in this coverage are Darby being in press technique and the deep safety shaded toward Maclin.

Darby bails immediately and Maclin gives a stutter-step at the 35-yard line, quickly freezing the rookie. Maclin then gets even with him at the 30-yard line as shown above.

Smith has great protection, especially from Ware on the inside, picking up a blitzer. He launches after the deep safety once more drifts to the strong side. On this occasion, though, Darby stays right on Maclin’s hip.

It will take a perfect throw fit between the sideline and Darby to make this play work.

Smith drops the ball into the bucket. Maclin would run into the end zone and the Chiefs took control of the game. Maybe in the past Smith throws the ball away with nobody open. Instead, he trusts in Maclin and goes downfield against single coverage. The result is beautiful.

Next: Maclin vs. Cleveland