National Football League

Alex Smith and the West Coast offense in 2016

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Oct 2, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Smith has struggled so far in 2016 in the West Coast Offense. The statistics show it.

The first four weeks of the 2016 NFL season have not been so kind to Alex Smith. After Sunday’s embarrassing loss in Pittsburgh, it’s clear that Smith is not right in Andy Reid’s West Coast Offense, and whether or not the Chiefs can contend for a serious playoff run is in serious question.

Smith ranks 28th of 32 qualifying quarterbacks in yards gained per pass attempt (6.39). Yes, Smith does compete in a West Coast Offense style. He’s limited at times because of the style Reid runs.

Just so we’re all clear on what exactly the West Coast offense entails, take a look at this excerpt, courtesy of The Phinsider of SB Nation:

“Teams running a WCO-based system will look to spread a defense horizontally across the field, typically inside 15 yards from line of scrimmage, before attempting longer passes in the open lanes caused by the defensive adjustments to the shorter, wider passes.

“The receiving routes will be dominated by slants, crossing routes, comebacks and flat passes. The offense will look to control the ball through the short passing game, using the pass to set up the run, rather than run to set up the pass, and they will throw the ball in any down-and-distance situation.”

The reality that Smith is near the bottom of the rankings of yards per completion shouldn’t come as a huge surprise. But the fact is this: Smith has struggled to take the next step as the leader of the Chiefs offense.

Smith’s biggest struggles of 2016 have come on third down. According to Pro Football Reference, Smith has completed just 22 of 40 passes on third down.

He has thrown the most passes on third down and three yards or less situations. But the second-highest number of passes he has thrown on third down come in third and long (10-plus yards) situations. Albeit a small sample size through just four weeks, that those numbers are not indicative of a successful West Coast Offense.

Smith relies on hitting check-down passes early on first and second downs. He’s struggling with those passes so far in 2016. Plus, he is having a difficult time reading down field coverage to find open receivers.

Faux Tony Gonzalez open at the 41 and Smith goes to Reek for 1 yd. It's like he can't read coverage at all. pic.twitter.com/nUYPerQQKm

— Clay Wendler (@ClayWendler) October 4, 2016

Yet another Alex Smith ??? play. Maclin wide open at the 40 as he abandons a pretty decent pocket. This guy is broken as an NFL QB. pic.twitter.com/4dOlhgy2bA

— Clay Wendler (@ClayWendler) October 4, 2016

The success of the West Coast Offense is heavily dependent on wide receivers gaining yards after the catch. Smith ranks at the bottom of yards gained per pass completion (9.8) in 2016. In fact, Smith is only better than Cody Kessler of the Cleveland Browns. Part of that blame falls on the wide receivers.

Tyreek Hill has been a welcomed addition to the Chiefs on offense in 2016. Game-by-game, Hill has seen an increased roll in the offense. His speed and agility should go a long way to helping Smith as the season rolls on.

Oct 2, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Alex Smith (11) warms-up before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Chiefs need some explosiveness, and maybe Hill can give them that constant threat. On the other hand, though, it’s unclear just how effective Jamaal Charles will be when he returns to full health.

Since Smith came to Kansas City in 2013, the Chiefs are 33-19. Don’t get me wrong, that’s a solid record that Chiefs fans should be proud of. But this is 2016, and the Chiefs want to move forward to contend.

The early season struggles of the Chiefs don’t solely fall on the shoulders of Smith and Reid’s offensive play calling. The defense has had its fair share of struggles, too. After last year’s 1-5 start, fans are rightfully concerned about what direction the team is heading.

At the end of the day, Smith is at his best when he has a high completion percentage, throws for about 250 yards, a couple touchdowns and avoids turnovers. That’s the “vintage” Smith that Chiefs fans should hope for. But, he needs some help from receivers and running backs.

Am I recommending the Chiefs make a quarterback change? No. Smith has earned the opportunity to lead this team, and I still think he could turn things around. But at this point, are they in a position to contend for a Super Bowl? Absolutely not.

At some point Kansas City has to jump to the next level. They must win big games against big-named teams in 2016. The talent and personnel are there. The team’s first game out of the bye week against Oakland will be the biggest test of the season.

Who knows, maybe Smith will put together another 10-game winning streak or something like that.

As always, thanks for reading. Follow me on Twitter and like my Facebook page so we can talk more Chiefs football.