Tag: Alex Smith

Will Alex Smith’s concerns apply to Commanders in 2023?

Alex Smith had some interesting comments about defensive-minded head coaches and their development of young quarterbacks. He speaks from experience.

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Will Alex Smith’s recent comments apply to Sam Howell this upcoming season?

Smith knows something about overcoming adversity as an NFL quarterback; even more, he knows about severe adversity in real life such as almost having your leg amputated.

Smith quarterbacked Washington in the 2018 and 2020 NFL seasons. Previously he had been with the 49ers for 7 seasons after they drafted him and 5 seasons with the Chiefs, the last of which he mentored current star Patrick Mahomes.

Smith voiced his concern this week (on SiriusXM’s NFL Radio) for young NFL quarterbacks who are forced to play under a defensive head coach. He questioned how well a defensive head coach can develop a young quarterback.

“There is a different mentality, from my career, when you play for an offensive head coach that wants to light up the scoreboard and outscore the opponent,” Smith said.

“There’s a different mentality you have, especially as a young quarterback versus a defensive head coach, when really the [coach’s] mentality is, ‘Hey, don’t screw up, don’t turn the ball over, don’t put us in a bad situation.’ … That’s a huge difference in a mentality and a mindset for a young quarterback, especially if it’s a bit rocky to start.”

It’s no secret Smith was drafted by the 49ers in 2005, and his first head coach was former Washington defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. Nolan was the head coach for Smith’s first seasons (2005-2008) before being replaced by former Chicago Bears middle linebacker Mike Singletary (2008-10).

Three more seasons with the defensively intense Singletary before Smith had himself an offensive-minded head coach in Jim Harbaugh in 2011.

After two seasons with Harbaugh (2011-12), Smith went to Kansas City playing for head coach Andy Reid from 2013-17. So, is there any reason to doubt that Smith is not merely speaking abstractly? He is speaking from his many years of experience in the NFL.

But might much of this depend upon how much the quarterback coach and offensive coordinator build a relationship with the quarterback? For instance, yes, Ron Rivera a former linebacker for the Chicago Bears is Sam Howell’s head coach here in Washington.

Yet, if Rivera truly gives control of the offense over to Eric Bieniemy, then isn’t it up to Bieniemy and quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard to build as much a rapport as possible with Howell? This is after all Bieniemy’s opportunity to take on more leadership with an NFL offense. Isn’t this why he departed Kansas City and future Hall-of-Famer Patrick Mahomes?

I could be entirely wrong (it wouldn’t be the first time) but Alex Smith’s experiences with his defensive head coaches do not have to necessarily be a very similar experience for Sam Howell. Bieniemy and Pritchard could go a long way in preventing Smith’s experiences from being repeated with Howell.

 

Travis Kelce describes the art of Patrick Mahomes’ game to former Chiefs QB Alex Smith

Travis Kelce sat down for an interview with former #Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith and discussed the art of Patrick Mahomes’ game. | from @TheJohnDillon

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The Kansas City Chiefs have become one of the most consistently successful teams in the NFL since quarterback Patrick Mahomes took over under center in 2018.

With two Super Bowl titles to show for their effort, it seems nothing can stop the AFC’s preeminent powerhouse. Though Mahomes is unquestionably the driving force behind the team’s competitiveness week in and week out, he wouldn’t be as effective without the help of his receivers, most notably All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce.

In an interview with former Chiefs signal-caller Alex Smith on SiriusXM NFL Radio on Friday, Kelce caught up with his former teammate and delved into the intricacies of his relationship with Mahomes.

“You kind of have your equal when it comes to improvisation and competitiveness when it comes to Pat at the quarterback position, right?” Smith asked. “Not only do you guys have so much success in rhythm in the passing game, but unbelievable connection off rhythm as you guys extend plays and your guy’s instinctiveness and how it marries is so unique. Can you take the listeners a little bit through. Is it just backyard ball? Is there a method to the madness? That relationship and obviously its growth as well.”

Kelce’s answer was about as in-depth as listeners could hope for it to be and entailed descriptions of both Mahomes’ play style as well as a look into how the pair function together within the Chiefs offense.

“Obviously, you don’t develop these kinds of things without being in practice,” He explained. “Going full speed, every single rep in the offseason and training camps. Those are all instincts that you build for in-game decisions. I feel like, you know, the one thing that Pat (Mahomes) does naturally better than any quarterback or player I’ve ever been around is improvise when the play shuts down. His ability to get out of the pocket and still be able to throw it anywhere on the field. As far as he needs to throw it, as short as he needs to throw it. Just being able to get it into somebody’s hands.

“When I saw that he has that ability, now it’s almost (that) you get more excited when the first play breaks down. They glove us on the first play, they just have our card, they have the right defense, the right coverage. And now, it’s even more fun because when Pat gets out of the pocket, guys tend to move more, it starts to become more of a broken-down play. Coverages don’t stay the same, voids open up in other areas. It’s really just backyard ball, you just go to the open spot and let Pat kind of throw you open.”

He ended his comments on the subject by reiterating the importance of preparation, particularly in the offseason, to ensure that the chemistry built over the course of Kansas City’s 17-game schedule doesn’t wane.

“That’s where you know, just being on the field with him during these OTAs reps, these training camp reps, seeing how he throws the ball to other guys, being like, ‘Oh, alright, that’s the kind of stuff Pat Mahomes can do!’ Now, when I’m in that situation, I’m ready for the football when it’s in the air.”

Kelce may have forged a legendary relationship with Mahomes, but his rapport with Smith was equally deadly for opposing defenses before 2017. Often overlooked in the new era of Chiefs football is the role that Smith played to mentor Kelce and Mahomes, who were rising stars during his time in Kansas City, and one can only imagine the impact that the retired quarterback had on both players’ trajectories.

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Commanders lose wide receiver Cam Sims to the Raiders

Sims spent five seasons with the Commanders.

After five seasons with the Washington Commanders, wide receiver Cam Sims is moving on.

Ben Standig of The Athletic reported Monday night that Sims had signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Sims entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2018 from Alabama. In four seasons with the Crimson Tide, Sims played in 23 career games with 41 receptions and two touchdowns.

When he came to Washington, the 6-foot-5 Sims spent his rookie season on injured reserve. In 2019, Sims was cut out of training camp but signed to the practice squad. He spent the remainder of that season going back and forth from the practice squad to the active roster.

It was more of the same in 2020 for Sims, being cut in training camp and signed to the practice squad. However, he’d be promoted to the active roster in September, where he remained for three seasons.

Over the last three seasons, Sims played in 47 games, making 16 starts, but primarily starring on special teams. Sims was a reliable receiver, and he delivered each time he received an opportunity on offense. He made his name on special teams, though.

Each of the last two offseasons, he signed one-year deals to return to Washington. The Commanders wanted Sims back in 2023, but he chose an offer from the Raiders this time around.

Some of the top highlights from Sims’ time in Washington was his first career 100-yard game against the Giants in 2020 with Alex Smith at quarterback.

Then there was his terrific performance in the wild-card playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in which he led Washington with seven receptions for 104 yards. That game is best known for Taylor Heinicke’s first start with Washington.

Sims has 57 career receptions for 804 yards and three touchdowns. It isn’t known if he’ll have a more significant role on offense for the Raiders. The Commanders will miss Sims but did sign former Chiefs wide receiver Marcus Kemp who could take over Sims’ role on special teams and as the No. 5 wide receiver.

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Jacoby Brissett and Commanders’ Ron Rivera hope the sixth time is the charm

Six is the number for Ron Rivera and Jacoby Brissett.

Jacoby Brissett becomes number six for Ron Rivera.

Most recently with the Cleveland Browns, Brissett becomes the sixth veteran quarterback that Ron Rivera’s Commanders have obtained since his arrival in January 2020.

Brissett is certainly no stranger to change and the need to be flexible and adapt. The 30-year-old from West Palm Beach, Florida, has made NFL stops with the Patriots, Colts, Dolphins, Browns and now the Commanders.

Even more, Brissett was under center for the University of Florida in 2011 and 2012 before transferring to North Carolina State from 2013-15. He was a third-round choice of the Patriots (No. 91 overall) in the 2016 NFL draft.

Rivera has had plenty of adapting to do himself since coming to Washington. The quarterback position has been a rotating door for him for much of his three seasons.

Upon arrival, Rivera inherited Dwayne Haskins and Alex Smith. The first trade he made as head coach was for Kyle Allen. In December, he obtained Taylor Heinicke to be the quarantine quarterback.

The third and fourth quarterbacks Rivera obtained were Ryan Fitzpatrick and Garrett Gilbert for the 2021 season; however, each played in only one game.

A year ago, Carson Wentz became the fifth veteran quarterback Rivera brought to Washington. After his trade from Indianapolis, Wentz started seven games, but the team only won two of those. He was released after the season.

In summary, the pairing of Rivera and Brissett is of a coach and a quarterback for whom change has been the only constant. Both must be hoping for some stability — and soon.

Former Washington QB Josh Johnson forced into NFC title game

Josh Johnson appeared in four games for Washington back in 2018 after the Alex Smith and Colt McCoy injuries.

Former Washington quarterback Josh Johnson found himself in a familiar position, in Sunday’s NFC championship game, as the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the San Francisco 49ers 31-7.

The Eagles had taken the opening kickoff and driven 66 yards in 11 plays to grab an early 7-0 lead. The 49ers, in turn, had taken possession at their own 25, gained 25 yards, and faced a 2nd & 6 at the 50. Rookie starting quarterback Brock Purdy dropped back to pass and was hit from his right side by the Eagles’ Hassan Reddick, injuring Purdy’s right throwing elbow.

Johnson, who was not even with the 49ers until he was signed on Dec. 6, was forced into quite the unenviable position of facing the NFL’s best pass rush while not even having had time to learn all of his own team’s offense. (Johnson had been practicing as the scout team quarterback, running the offense of the 49ers opposition each week since he signed with San Francisco).

This all rings a bell for Washington fans who follow their team closely.  November 18, 2018, Washington was 6-3 facing the Houston Texans when starting quarterback Alex Smith suffered a season-ending compound fracture of his leg.

Two weeks later, new starter Colt McCoy suffered a broken leg in a Monday night game at Philadelphia, ending his season. Mark Sanchez, the veteran third-stringer, was now the starter, and Washington urgently signed Johnson.

Sanchez struggled mightily, and Johnson was forced into action, though he had last thrown an NFL regular-season pass seven seasons earlier as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer in 2011. Johnson played in the final four games of the season, starting the last three.

Johnson did lead Washington to a 16-13 road win at Jacksonville; however, Washington, after the Alex Smith injury, did lose six of their final seven games, finishing 7-9.

Sunday, being thrown into the fire in a nearly impossible situation against the Eagles, Johnson completed 7 of 13 passing attempts for 74 yards (5.7 YPA). Johnson ran twice for two yards and was sacked twice for -14 yards, generating a passer rating of 70.7 and a QBR of 14.7. Unfortunately, he was also knocked out of the game with a concussion.

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Remembering Washington’s 2020 Thanksgiving blowout win over the Cowboys

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. We look back at Washington’s 41-16 blowout over the Cowboys in 2020.

“Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.”

No, we aren’t posting about owner Dan Snyder’s strange “Happy Thanksgiving” quote during his presser in January 2020 to introduce Ron Rivera as Washington’s head coach.

It’s Thanksgiving Day, and while the Commanders don’t have a game on Thursday, we decided to look back at one of Washington’s most recent Thanksgiving triumphs over the Dallas Cowboys.

On November 26, 2020, the then-Washington Football Team was in Dallas for a meeting between 3-7 teams. By the end of this game, the two teams would be heading in entirely different directions for the remainder of that season.

Washington started veteran Alex Smith at quarterback, while the Cowboys had Andy Dalton at quarterback in place of the injured Dak Prescott. Smith would complete 19 of 26 passes for 149 yards with one touchdown and interception to help lead Washington to a 41-16 blowout win over the Cowboys.

Washington’s running game dominated Dallas on this day, rolling up 182 yards, led by Antonio Gibson’s 115 yards and three touchdowns. Peyton Barber chipped in with 57 yards on the ground.

Washington wide receiver Terry McLaurin caught seven passes for 92 yards, while tight end Logan Thomas caught a touchdown pass — and completed a pass.

It was Washington’s defense that provided the most memorable play on that day. Washington defensive end Montez Sweat pressured Dalton, got his hands up to deflect a pass, caught it and returned it for a touchdown.

Fellow defensive end Chase Young picked up one of four Washington sacks on that day, and the Cowboys finished with only 247 yards.

Washington would go on to win the division that season — albeit with a 7-9 record — but it was an impressive turnaround for head coach Ron Rivera in his first season with Washington.

That was only Washington’s second victory against the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day. The first, of course, is the memorable 2012 game where Robert Griffin III sliced up the Cowboys defense.

What’s your favorite Washington memory from Thanksgiving Day?

 

 

Almost four years to the day: the Alex Smith injury

Alex Smith’s devastating injury happened almost four years ago to the day.

Almost four years to the day (November 18, 2018), the Houston Texans came to FedEx Field to play Washington in a game which is now remembered mostly for one horrific play.

With just under eight minutes remaining in the third quarter, Washington faced a 3rd & 9 at the Houston 24, trailing 17-7. The play was first very disappointing because Alex Smith dropped back and a Houston blitz was entirely whiffed by the offensive line, resulting in Smith being sacked by Kareem Jackson  for a loss of 13 yards.

Not only did Jackson sack Smith, but J.J. Watt arrived just after Jackson and also landed on top of Smith. The result was a broken fibula and tibia for Smith. Human bones being stronger in compression than torsion, Smith suffered a compound fracture and a spiraling fracture.

The spiraling upward effect of the fracture resulted in many screws inserted into Smith’s leg in a process called Plate and Screw Fixation. But soon Smith experienced inflammation and infection, quickly resulting in muscle and tissue that died and would not recover.

Smith would lose to infection his anterior tibialis and doctors needed to perform skin grafts from Smith’s upper thigh down to his lower leg. The rehabbing efforts of Alex Smith were frankly, nothing short of extraordinary.

With the loss of his anterior tibialis, Smith was unable to simply control the descent of his right foot to the ground in simple walking. As a result, film of Smith learning to walk again on a treadmill revealed his right foot “slapping” the treadmill every single time in his walking gait.

He worked and worked daily, to increase the strength and control in his leg, and after missing all of the 2019 season, Smith returned in 2020, not only to the roster, but actually started six games, playing in eight.

Washington won the NFC East, and though the last three weeks of the season, Smith’s leg again kept him out of the lineup for two of those games and the playoff game, he was voted the NFL Comeback Player of the Year for his inspiring rehabilitation and return to the NFL as a starting quarterback.

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5 stats and facts to know for Commanders at Texans in Week 11

Washington and Houston have met a total of five times. Here are five stats and facts to know ahead of Sunday’s game.

The Washington Commanders [5-5] are back on the road with a short week to face the Houston Texans [1-7-1] in Week 11. Washington is coming off an upset of the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football.

The Texans enter Sunday’s game, having not won a game since Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Houston tied the Indianapolis Colts in the season opener. The Commanders have beaten both the Jaguars and Colts.

Washington and Houston don’t have a long and storied history. The two franchises have only met five times since Houston’s entry into the NFL in 2002. Washington won the first two meetings, while the Texans have won the previous three contests.

Here are five stats/facts to know heading into the Week 11 battle between the Commanders and Texans.

LOOK: Alex Smith picked the Commanders to win

Alex Smith predicted the Commanders would win.

The ESPN Monday Night Countdown crew made their picks ahead of the Monday Night game between the Washington Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles.

To no one’s surprise, the entire crew picked the then-unbeaten Eagles except for one.

Former Washington quarterback Alex Smith picked the Commanders to end the Eagles’ unbeaten streak.

Here’s proof.

Before the game, Smith was spotted on the field talking to and hugging Washington quarterback Taylor Heinicke. The pair were teammates toward the end of Smith’s final season in Washington in 2020.

Smith will forever be beloved by Washington fans for his courageous comeback back in 2020. Smith isn’t above criticizing his former team either. Earlier this season, Smith criticized head coach Ron Rivera for his comments regarding quarterback Carson Wentz.

Smith isn’t the only former Washington quarterback on the ESPN set. Robert Griffin III picked the Eagles.

When they last met: Indianapolis and Washington

The Colts and Washington last met in 2018 when it was Andrew Luck vs. Alex Smith.

“When They Last Met” is an ongoing series during the NFL season, recalling the preceding game between Washington and the next opponent on the Commanders’ schedule.

Indianapolis 21, Washington 09 – Week 02, September 16, 2018

Washington fans were excited and encouraged, after Washington had gone out to Arizona and really looked good, easily defeating the Cardinals 24-6. While the Colts had lost their opener at home 34-23 to the Bengals.

The DMV was a buzz with excitement, as Washington had traded in the off season to replace free agent departure Kirk Cousins with Kansas City’s Alex Smith.

Week 2 brought a sudden jolt of reality to Washington fans, as the hometown team was outplayed from start to finish by the Colts. The Colts had led 14-3, and Washington had two opportunities to follow but could manage only Dustin Hopkins’ field goals, falling 21-9 at FedEx Field in Landover.

Even with a D.J. Swearinger second-quarter interception halting a Colt drive in Washington territory, the Colts still manufactured two 75-yard drives resulting in an Andrew Luck 7-yard TD pass to Eric Ebron and a Nyheim 8-yard TD run for an 11-point halftime lead.

Ironically, the Colts generated and delivered on another 75-yard drive in the final quarter, culminating in Luck’s 3-yard pass to T.Y. Hilton for the final score of the day.

The Washington run offense, effective in week one against the Cardinals, was shut down by the Colts. Adrian Peterson had a long run of 14 yards, yet managed a mere 20 total rushing yards in his 11 carries.

Alex Smith completed 33 of 46 for 292 yards and no interceptions. However, Smith was sacked ending one fourth-quarter drive, resulting in another Hopkins field goal from 49 yards.

The next Washington possession moved the ball down to the 20-yard line; however, Jordan Reed fumbled, ending that scoring threat as well.

Chris Thompson led Washington with 13 receptions for 92 yards, while Reed recorded 6 receptions for 55 yards.

Swearinger intercepted his second pass of Luck in the third quarter for Washington.