Alex Smith: Captain Checkdown or Comeback Kid?

KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Alex Smith
KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Alex Smith
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Sep 11, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) is congratulated by team mates after scoring the winning touchdown in overtime against the San Diego Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 33-27 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) is congratulated by team mates after scoring the winning touchdown in overtime against the San Diego Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 33-27 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Words really can’t adequately describe Smith’s play in OT. Smith was the only Chiefs captain to go to the cointoss in overtime. Several pictures have shown him out there lined up across from five Chargers captains. Smith won the toss and elected to receive. His first pass to Spencer Ware on the sideline was simply amazing. He rolled out to his right, planted off his back foot, and threwing it over a rushing DE.  Smith put the perfect touch on a ball that had to go over the LB’s and drop in between the DB’s.

Alex would drop back a couple of plays later and look to the right and then turn back left. Smith then lofted a perfect pass to Kelce on the left sideline. As Alex released the ball he was being hit. Kelce highpointed the ball and went up and got it over the SD LB. The LB had his back to Smith but was in stride with Kelce. Smith didn’t care and threw his TE the ball which set them up for 1st and goal.

Obviously the game ended with the Chiefs pulling out a victory on Alex’s shoulders. On the final play of the game Alex had a choice to make. Pitch the ball or to go for the end zone. He chose to dive for the end zone because that is the type of player he is.

In a couple of years the game last Sunday will be a distant memory. That game will resonate with me for a long time. The poise and ability that Smith showed had yet to be seen in his career. Can find a way to replicate what he did in the fourth quarter and overtime? If so, then the Lamar Hunt trophy will be coming home.

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