Andy Reid says Alex Smith's rushing yards were a result of the Lions coverage

It was good to see KC Chiefs QB Alex Smith running like he did back in 2013 in Sunday's game against the Lions. Smith ended up with 78 yards rushing, including a whopping 49-yard run.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said they didn't force that by design and that it was in response to the Lions defensive coverage, which was dropping back.

"It was against a little different secondary than what (the Lions) had showed the weeks before," Reid said on Monday. "Once you get in the game you kind of figure that out and then the opportunities presents itself. The offensive line did a nice job getting bodies on bodies. A couple of those cases it wasn't because he had to run because of pressure, it was the secondary dropping back. The level two players, the linebackers dropping back in coverage that opened up those avenues."

Great job by the Chiefs recognizing that during the game and taking advantage of it. Reid noted that on Smith's long run there were some Lions secondary players chasing him, which showed his speed.

"It looks like he can still run pretty fast," Reid said. "He's not getting any younger, right? He's 30 years old but I know guys were trying to catch him."

Smith had 431 yards rushing on 76 in 2013 which was a threat to the defense at times. He didn't run as much last year (49 attempts) but this year he is on pace for 404 yards rushing on 76 carries. Forcing the defense to guard against that can be a real advantage that opens up other opportunities in the game.

There's also this note:

Alex Smith had more yards rushing yesterday (78), than Aaron Rodgers had passing (77). Sure, that makes sense.

— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) November 2, 2015