Alex Smith is a baked potato

Ingredient #3: Alex Smith Running

Mr. Baked Potato himself is actually a key part of getting the running game going in 2017. Not enough national attention (maybe local as well) was given to Smith’s role in the drop of rushing yards in 2016. In 2015 Smith was K.C.’s second leading rusher with almost 500 yards rushing. In 2016 that number dropped to just 134 yards. That drop of over 350 yards rushing makes a huge difference. While the weight of the rushing attack obviously shouldn’t go on the quarterback’s shoulders he can certainly help the team by being willing to take off when the situation calls for it.

I understand that Smith is getting older and has battled some concussion issues in recent seasons. Obviously Smith needs to be smart about running and not taking unnecessary hits, but with Patrick Mahomes presence now looming large on the sideline it should encourage Smith to do whatever it takes to win games. If that means he needs to tuck the ball and pick up a few more first downs with his legs this coming season, then hopefully he is motivated to do so.

I believe a healthy rushing attack would mean that Smith gets his rushing yards back up to about 300 yards. While that wouldn’t match his lofty totals from 2015 it would be enough of a boost to make a difference. Ware and Hunt need to be the two leading rushers on this team but Smith should be in contention for third place behind them.

Alex Smith using his legs is definitely one of the ingredients to improving the run game but no other ingredient may be as essential as the final one.