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Alex Smith is a baked potato

By Lyle Graversen

Jan 1, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) looks to pass during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) looks to pass during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 25, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Spencer Ware (32) runs the ball during the second half against the New York Jets at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Spencer Ware (32) runs the ball during the second half against the New York Jets at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Ingredient #1: Improved Running Back Play

In 2015, when Jamaal Charles was lost to injury, Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West did a great job filling in and continuing K.C.’s top-ten caliber rushing attack. The Chiefs would rush for over 2000 yards that season, averaging 4.7 yards per carry and totalling 19 rushing touchdowns.

When Charles was unable to contribute again in 2016, it was assumed that Ware and West would once again pick up the load. Unfortunately, they would not be as effective this time around. Both West and Ware would see their YPC drop in their second season trying to carry the weight of the rushing attack. Ware started out the season productive, but couldn’t maintain it throughout the year. It therefore becomes a fair question to ask, “Can Ware physically handle the load of being a NFL feature running back?”

Maybe Ware’s drop in productivity (5.6 YPC in 2015 dropping to 4.3 in 2016) was just a result of some unlucky injuries or maybe it was simply a result of his body not being able to handle the increase in touches from 78 in 2015 to 247 in 2016. If the Chiefs want a return to 2015 form for the running game this coming season a big part of that would be Ware staying productive all season long. If that means a decreased per game work load then so be it. That could be what the Chiefs had in mind when they traded up to select Kareem Hunt out of Toledo in the draft last month.

Hunt is obviously the other huge key to getting better running back play in 2017. Without going into an in depth scouting report here, Hunt has some serious upside and should be a key contributor right away. Hunt was the feature back for Toledo the past three seasons where he showed the ability to shoulder a huge work oad. He was productive in both the running and passing games, and was one of the best in the nation at not being taken down on first contact. He’s a shifty runner who can work through tight spaces. If he can master Reid’s playbook, he should certainly beat out Charcandrick West and may even challenge Ware for the starting job as a rookie.

Whether it comes from a consistently healthy and productive Spencer Ware or the new addition of Kareem Hunt, the Chiefs have to get improved production from the running back position in 2017 if they want to put the “steak” back in their steak and potatoes offense.

Now on to the next ingredient.

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