Fansided

Ranking starting quarterbacks for each NFL team

By Nathaniel Reeves

Jan 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Minnesota won 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. Minnesota won 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) runs with the ball as New England Patriots defensive tackle Alan Branch (97) defends during the first half in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) runs with the ball as New England Patriots defensive tackle Alan Branch (97) defends during the first half in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /

22. Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City finally picked up a postseason victory with its Wild Card destruction of Houston, snapping a 22-year drought. Now the question becomes whether the Chiefs have reached their ceiling with Smith under center.

Smith has been fairly successful since coming to Kansas City in 2013, despite receiving plenty of criticism over the course of his career. The 2005 first overall pick threw for just shy of 3,500 yards and 20 touchdowns to seven interceptions, one of the best years of his career. Bringing in Jeremy Maclin certainly helped, as Kansas City had limited talent at receiver prior to this year.

While Smith’s checkdown-heavy style of play has not always been well-received, it works well enough in Andy Reid’s offense. Smith won’t make mistakes and is very efficient, and he should be able to maintain his current level of play for a couple more seasons at 31 years old.

However, Smith’s skill set is limited, particularly when it comes to passes 15 yards or more downfield. Those limitations were apparent in Kansas City’s Divisional Round loss to the Patriots, as the Chiefs couldn’t score quickly enough to complete a comeback.

At this point, Smith is what he is, and there isn’t much upside left. Smith has proven he can lead his team to the playoffs, but Kansas City is going to need big years out of Maclin and a healthy Jamaal Charles to go on a Super Bowl run.

Next: 21. Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears

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