Alex Smith, KC Chiefs receivers could get together this offseason

Kansas City Chiefs players and head coach Andy Reid spoke to the media following Wednesday's practice. What did we learn from them? Read on to hear about the progress of the offense, the difficulty of Travis Kelce's job and the possibility of more work this offseason for Smith and the receivers.

By Joel Thorman@JoelThorman Jun 6, 2013, 8:00am CDT

'Head and shoulders' above where they were

"We're head and shoulders above where we were a couple months ago," Alex Smith said.

Well you don't want to get worse! Smith talked about how he was jelling (or is it gelling?) with the receivers in just three months.

"That's a never ending thing as well," Smith said. "I don't think it's something, and all of a sudden, ‘Hey we got a good feel for each other, we don't need to work anymore.' It's just constantly. You're constantly working on it. We're constantly perfecting our craft. Every single day it's coming out here and pushing to get better.

"Obviously, yeah, I do feel a lot better than where we were a few months ago, but it's still a long road ahead. One more [Thursday] and we'll finish this offseason up. It's hard to believe it's one more practice, but we have to make the best of it."

Offense is starting to pick it up

The defense usually wins out this early in the offseason because the offense is still learning the plays, especially in a situation like the Chiefs with a new coach and a new offense. But according to several accounts the Chiefs offense has been looking sharper this week.

"It went back-and-forth. I saw some good things. We had a couple down-the-field throws with the offense, more so than we did yesterday. The guys were working hard. That's a challenge - to come back that second day, are you willing to work as hard as you did the day before. They're willing to do that."

Now the question is whether they're willing to work as hard on the third day as the second day. The Chiefs wrap up their mandatory minicamp -- and the offseason program -- with today's practice.

More offseason work for Alex and the WRs

"Everyone has their own schedule," Smith said, "but I'm sure we'll get together. The guys that can, when we can, that type of deal."

Smith isn't the only quarterback getting work in with receivers this offseason. Tyler Bray and Devon Wylie (and others?) appear to be something similar.

One more day of work then back to Cali for a bit. Miss the fam and friends. Gonna get some work in with @tbrayvol8
— Devon Wylie (@WylieMan7) June 5, 2013

A lot of quarterbacks do similar things with their receivers. Let's just hope Alex Smith doesn't go Mark Sanchez on us, label this "Jets West" and invite all the media to a passing camp to show how hard he's working. (He already said earlier this offseason he's not telling the media if/when they get together.)

Former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Trent Green (right) speaks with quarterback Alex Smith (11) after the mini camp at the University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Chiefs tackle Eric Fisher (72) walks to speak to media after the mini camp at the University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne Bowe (82) walks to speak to media after the mini camp at the University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) speaks to media after the mini camp at the University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) waits to speak to media after the mini camp at the University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid speaks to media after the mini camp at the University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Chiefs running back Cyrus Gray (32) runs drills during the mini camp at the University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Chiefs linebackers Derrick Johnson (56) and Akeem Jordan (55) take a break during the mini camp at the University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles (25) runs drills during the mini camp at the University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Tamba Hali (91) runs drills during the mini camp at the University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Dontari Poe (92) runs drills during the mini camp at the University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid walks to speak to media after the mini camp at the University of Kansas Hospital Training Complex Denny Medley - USA Today Sports

TEs and RBs have a hard job

Travis Kelce is the Chiefs rookie tight end who is hoping to compete for playing time along with Anthony Fasano (the likely starter) and Tony Moeaki. He was asked about Kelce's improvement and while answering made a good point -- tight ends and running backs have a hard job because they are involved in both the run and the pass.

"That's a challenging [position]," Reid said, "that and running back, that's a tough thing because you're asking them to know the run game, the pass game, blocking schemes and so on for pass protection and the run game. He's doing well. He's got to keep getting better, but he is getting a lot of reps and that should help him."

No one likes to see an injury but Kelce has certainly benefited from Moeaki's injury from a reps standpoint.

Ready for a break?

Some are, some aren't. Alex Smith talked about not wanting to lose the momentum they have right now. Eric Fisher said part of him is ready for a break, another part isn't.

"Obviously, it's a lot of hard work," Fisher said. "A lot comes with it. You have to keep your body right, but training camp, we'll definitely have enough football to play. Yeah, it would be nice to stay here and play a little bit longer, but every opportunity is a blessing. I try to make the most of them."

College players, especially those from the MAC, have more time off than most NFL players. It's a change of lifestyle and a change of practice style.

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