NFL Power Rankings: Broncos-Chiefs Matchup Will Answer A Lot of Questions

Nov 3, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback

(11) points to Buffalo Bills defensive tackle

(99) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Chiefs beat the Bills 23-13. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

TEAM OF DESTINY

1. Kansas City Chiefs

Record: 9-0

Are you ready, Alex Smith?

The difference between Kansas City having another 13-3 season that ends with an early exit from the playoffs and the Chiefs going 13-3 and heading to the Super Bowl is going to be based on how much Alex Smith improves in the second half of the season. Say what you want about 9-0 and turnovers and what not, none of that matters in the playoffs. Kansas City fans should know that better than anyone at this stage.

Smith has to be better at making plays downfield and taking charge of games offensively. Teams like New England, Cincinnati, and the New York Jets all have the ability to shut down Jamaal Charles and force Alex Smith to beat them. Buffalo’s defense was able to do it, and they would have beaten Kansas City if they had anything resembling quality quarterback play.

To put it this way, Kansas City is going to face a Buffalo defense in the playoffs but that defense will also have a Tom Brady supporting them on the offensive side of the ball. No more Jason Campbell‘s or Ryan Fitzpatrick‘s. It is going to be the Brady’s, Manning’s, and Andrew Luck‘s of the world that Smith is going to have to compete with.

This doesn’t mean that Smith has to be something that he isn’t. No, he doesn’t have to leap from being a game manager to Aaron Rodgers. But he does have to do a better job of executing the passing game. Through nine games Smith has a 46.8 QBR, which ranks 24th in the NFL. That’s slightly below average quarterbacking, but nothing seriously bad. Smith has to get into Russell Wilson territory, which is around a 55 QBR.

Asking Smith to be Russell Wilson is more than fair. In fact, that is precisely what Smith needs to be given his talent set. He’s smart, mobile, and protects the ball with accurate throws and decisions. The difference between the two of them right now is Wilson is executing the downfield passing game significantly better than Smith.

This isn’t about tool set, it is about mindset. Smith can be that guy if he chooses to be. And if he does, KC will be the leading contender in the AFC to go to the Super Bowl.