San
Francisco 49ers QB Alex Smith was finally traded today. After months of
speculation about if the 49ers will trade him and if so to whom, Smith was
traded to the Kansas City Chiefs this morning. I think that the trade will be
good for both sides.
Alex Smith
was the #1 overall draft pick in the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of
Utah. In his first two years as the starter, Smith looked like a bust as he
threw 17 touchdowns but also 27 interceptions. Up until the 2011 season it
looked as if Smith was never going to live up to the expectations of being a
number #1 draft pick. But when the 49ers hired Jim Harbaugh was hired, Harbaugh
stressed that Smith was going to be their starting quarterback. Smith had the
best season of his career in 2011-12 when he threw for 3,144 yards and 17
touchdowns with only 5 interceptions. Smith also set franchise records for most
game winning drives in a single season and fewest interceptions in a single
season. The 49ers also had their best record since 1997 as they went 13-3
before losing in the NFC Championship Game to the New York Giants. This season,
Smith only started 10 games before sustaining a concussion that led to Harbaugh
starting 2nd year QB Colin Kaepernick over Smith. We all know about Kaepernick and how he
excelled as Harbaugh changed his offense to fit Kepernick’s system of the
pistol offense. Kaepernick led the 49ers to the Super Bowl where they lost to
the Baltimore Ravens, 34-31.
I think
this trade is good for both sides because: a) the 49ers believe that Kaepernick
is the real deal and want him as their quarterback going forward and b) Smith
will fit well with the Kansas City Chiefs and their new head coach, Andy Reid.
Kaepernick threw for 1,814 yards in
only 13 games, 8 of which he actually started. He also had 10 passing
touchdowns with 3 interceptions but was a dual threat as he ran for 415 yards
and 5 touchdowns. He excelled in the playoffs and Harbaugh has been behind
Kaepernick since day one.
Although they were 2-14 last year
and own the number one pick, the Chiefs have several weapons that will help
Smith succeed. The Chiefs ranked 5th in rushing last year averaging 149.7
yards per game but ranked last in passing yards per game. The Chiefs are
expected to release QB Matt Cassel according to reports. With All-Pro RB Jamaal
Charles having defenses watching him most of the time, Smith will have a chance
to succeed especially in play action where he excels. The big question for Smith
and the Chiefs is if they will re-sign WR Dwyane Bowe, who is a free agent.
The Smith trade was good for both
sides and I expect Kaepernick to become even better over the next couple of
years but also Smith to improve too.
image was used from cbssports.com
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