Power ranking all 32 NFL starting quarterbacks for 2018

Power ranking all 32 NFL starting quarterbacks

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 17: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers looks to the sideline against the Carolina Panthers in the fourth quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 17, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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RICHMOND, VA., July 26, 2018. Washington Redskins quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws in his first practice during training camp. (Photo by: Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post via Getty Images) /

17. Alex Smith, Washington Redskins

It’s fair to be concerned about a quarterback that Andy Reid seems to have given up on. Reid’s decision to jettison Smith in favor of an unproven rookie is a significant red flag. With that being said, Smith has played enough good football throughout his career to show that he’s at least a reasonable option as a starter.

Smith is not going to throw for over 4,000 yards again this season. All of his statistics from 2017 were inflated by the talented offensive talent surrounding him. He will not have that luxury with the Redskins. Expect every meaningful statistic to decrease for Smith this season.

The right question to ask is just how much his numbers will drop. At this point in his career, Smith is the epitome of a system quarterback. He can execute a quality scheme with precision. He will not hurt the Redskins by holding on to the ball too long or making risky throws into traffic.

He also isn’t going to put this team on his back and win games with his elite play. Redskins fans who believe Smith is going to give them the same level of production that Kirk Cousins did last year are deluding themselves. Smith isn’t a massive downgrade, but Washington is going to feel the loss of a Cousins under center.