Chiefs' Alex Smith: 'These types of games are contagious'

As we close the book on the 2013 NFL season, let's take a moment to reflect on something KC Chiefs QB Alex Smith said recently. After the Chiefs season was over, the players spoke with the media and Smith had an interesting statement on the Chiefs future, and the types of games they hope to be playing in.

"I think it's good to be playing in these types of games," Smith said on Sunday, one day after the Chiefs 45-44 playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts. "I think these types of games are contagious. You go back to playing in just regular season games, you want that itch, you have that urge to try to get to these types of games, these playoff games - the stage, the feeling is just so much different."

They're contagious for fans, too. The Chiefs made the playoffs in 2003, waited three more years to make it in 2006 and then another four years to make it in 2010. I don't want to be waiting that long again.

"Certainly I think the foundation has been laid for us as a team, the way we do things," Smith said. "It was our first year together for all of this. I certainly think that foundation has been laid for next year."

I agree. The Chiefs in a season proved themselves as playoff contenders. Super Bowl contenders? Not yet. But they're certainly on the right track, as Smith suggested.