2014 Denver Broncos Opponents: Quarterback Rankings
By Nate Winkler
#5. Alex Smith
Dec 1, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws a pass against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
2012 – San Francisco 49ers Wins: (6) Passer Rating: 104.1 Y/PA: 8.0
2013 – Kansas City Chiefs Wins: (11) Passer Rating: 88.3 Y/PA: 6.5
2 Year Average- Wins: (8.5) Passer Rating: 96.2 Y/PA: 7.25
Week 2: Kansas City Chiefs @ Denver Broncos (9/14/14 2:25 pm MDT)
Week 13: Denver Broncos @ Kansas City Chiefs (11/30/14 6:30 pm MST)
I know what you’re thinking. This dude MUST live in Colorado for a special reason if he has Alex Smith ranked above Andrew Luck. Well, despite jersey sales, ESPN propaganda, and the neck-beard craze that’s sweeping the nation, Luck hasn’t proven it but Smith has. After being shown the door so Jim Harbaugh could have his guy (more on that later) in San Francisco, Smith followed Andy Reid to Kansas City and led them from the first overall draft pick in the 2013 draft to a wild-card berth against Luck’s Colts. Sure, you could argue based on that head to head victory the two should be flipped, but Smith has proven to be a much more efficient and even-keeled passer throughout his career compared to Luck’s small sample size.
Smith fits perfectly into Reid’s West Coast system and although his passer rating dipped last year, it was partially because his two best targets were running backs (Jamaal Charles, Dexter McCluster). McCluster is gone and rookie D’Anthony Thomas from Oregon is expected to replace him. Smith desperately needs Dwayne Bowe to return to form and another outside threat to emerge if he expects to remain at that second tier of quarterbacks. Kansas City hasn’t beaten Denver since Manning’s arrival and it will take perfect game from Smith to earn a season split in 2014.