The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback “controversy” is here and Andy Reid is making sure there’s not much of a controversy.
With Patrick Mahomes looking good in preseason, we knew there was going to be people asking how safe Alex Smith’s job is. Because some fans are asking that question doesn’t mean Andy Reid is listening. The Chiefs coach shut down any talk of Mahomes getting the job after two strong preseason performances.
Reid on Mahomes' chances of winning starting job this year: "It's Alex's job. That's what it is. There's no gray area with that."
— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) August 21, 2017
Adam Teicher has more of the quote here. I’m not surprised at all Reid is being forceful with this. Remember when Mahomes was drafted, one of the first things Reid said was that Alex Smith is the Chiefs starter. He has been through this type of quarterback battle before with Donovan McNabb 17 years ago. He knows how to handle it and I think he’s doing it the right way. No grey area.
This will not be the last time Reid has to say this. I can promise you that. There will be a bad game from Alex and someone will bring it up. Mahomes may have to step in for a series or a game and someone will ask. Alex could be quarterbacking a 10-0 team and someone out there would be wondering when Mahomes’s time is coming.
Let’s just get used to this. Ignore it if you want to. I happen to think Alex rises to the occasion. With a little pressure from the kid, Alex will put up his best season as a pro.