Alex Smith is ‘making the most’ of every start for Washington Football Team

Alex Smith and the Washington Football Team shocked the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13.

In Week 13, the Kansas City Chiefs did what they needed to do to keep pace with the Pittsburgh Steelers by putting away the Denver Broncos at home. One day later, old friend Alex Smith helped the cause toward the AFC’s top seed by leading Washington Football Team to a surprising victory over the formerly unbeaten Steelers on Monday.

The Steelers entered Week 13 as the NFL’s only undefeated team and the AFC’s top seed. By claiming that spot, they owned the lone first-round bye for the coming postseason. The Chiefs were second in line for that spot with an 11-1 record, but they still sat one game behind Pittsburgh—that is until Alex Smith went to work.

To be clear, Washington’s incredible front seven is also responsible for much of the heavy lifting against the Steelers, but Smith has looked impressive in his return from injury. His ability to come back at all from the gruesome leg injury two years ago that cost him the full 2019 season is astounding. That he can actually stand in the pocket and help lead the team forward is even more remarkable.

What makes the story even better is that Washington has now won three games in a row, including a road win over the Steelers that made everyone do a second take. Smith said his teammates and coaching staff knew it was going to be tough, but they were prepared mentally for what it would take to upset Mike Tomlin’s team.

"“We knew it was going to be a little bit this type of game,” Smith told reporters after the game. “They’re one of the best defenses in the NFL. I think they lead in the NFl in points off turnovers. There were so many teams that gave up negative plays, turned the ball over, or got frustrated and couldn’t stay patient. We talked all week about being able to ride through that, that there were going to be some rough patches and being able to take it one play at a time and not get frustrated, not make the mistake that this team has feasted on.”"

For Smith, the chance to start at quarterback again, and to win in this sort of fashion, is such an incredible return to form and the opportunity to play is not lost on him. When asked about the satisfaction of Monday’s win, he made it clear he’s grateful and soaking up every moment.

"“I literally each and every week, I’m making the most of it, living like it’s my last and enjoying that mindset. I’m not looking literally beyond that next start and trying to take advantage of it with everything I’ve got and enjoy it. I think this entire team, a little bit from the way we’ve started the season, has kinda gotten that mentality and I think that’s a great mentality to have, just a sense of urgency and living week to week and going all in and not looking past that, not getting ahead of ourselves. So we look forward to keeping that going.”"

With four games to go, Washington is now tied with the New York Giants atop the miserable NFC East with a record of 5-7. They face the San Francisco 49ers in Week 14.