Chiefs vs. Seahawks: 3 things to watch

Jul 30, 2016; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws a pass as offensive guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (76) and center Mitch Morse (61) block during Kansas City Chiefs training camp presented by Mosaic Life Care at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 30, 2016; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws a pass as offensive guard Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (76) and center Mitch Morse (61) block during Kansas City Chiefs training camp presented by Mosaic Life Care at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 15, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) and Aaron Murray (7) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL football game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) and Aaron Murray (7) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL football game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

The Kansas City Chiefs and the Seattle Seahawks meet this weekend for the first preseason game; what are the three things you need to watch for during the game?

The wait is finally over Kansas City Chiefs fans, the first look at the 2016 team happens this weekend. It seems like the wait had taken forever since the team last took the field in January of this year, but it is here and the regular season will be underway before we know it. With the first game coming up lets take a look at three things to watch for as the Chiefs Kingdom welcomes in the 12th man.

1. Alex Smith’s Chemistry with his receivers and the long ball.

The first preseason game does not have much in terms of first team offense on the field. Typically the first team will play one or two series then come off the field so the coaches can get a good look at the other players fighting for a spot on the roster.

But even with that in mind one thing that needs to be watched for is quarterback Alex Smith’s rapport with his wide receivers. Smith during the 2015 campaign began to build something quite special with Jeremy Maclin, and of course he already had good timing with tight end Travis Kelce; but there seemed to be something off with his other receivers.

For this first game it will be interesting to see what another year with those players will produce. A player like Chris Conley, who has great potential, can be a true number two receiver. Being a second year player should only help develop that a little more for the 2016 season. On top of the chemistry with the number two and three receiver will be the development of the long ball for Smith.

Smith is a good quarterback in that he does not take risks, but risks need to be taken. There were a few passes last year that did showcase his arm, but the tendency for Smith is to low short quick routes and rely on the speed of his target. Now, there is nothing wrong with this, but defenses know about Smith and can play to that. If Alex is to take the next step in his career he needs to risk some passes and show the NFL he can hurl the ball when he wants to.

Next: The Chiefs Defense