The Kansas City Chiefs must have high hopes for the 2013 season; their offensive coordinator Doug Pederson set the bar high by proclaiming Alex Smith, acquired this offseason via trade, is the top quarterback in the NFL.
Speaking with The Kansas City Star, Pederson said "Ultimately, every team has to have a quarterback. I think we have the best in the league."
The praise didn't stop there. Eschewing more established names such as Peyton Manning, who shares the division with Smith, Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady, Pederson stood tall in his proclamation.
"There are a lot of great ones, but over time, Alex has proven he can get it done," Pederson said. "He's a sharp guy, he brings a wealth of knowledge, he's experienced, he's a proven winner the last couple of years, and he needs a team to embrace him."
After being considered one of the all-time NFL draft busts for several years, Smith flourished in Jim Harbaugh's first season as coach of the San Francisco 49ers. With Smith at the helm, San Francisco went 13-3, based on a strong running game and Smith's pinpoint accuracy. He threw 17 touchdown passes and was picked off only five times.
Last season, Smith was just as good, racking up 1,737 yards, 13 touchdowns and five interceptions in 10 games. He was also leading the NFL in completion percentage, connecting on a tick over 70 percent of his attempts.
In the middle of the season, however, Smith suffered a concussion and backup Colin Kaepernick electrified the Bay Area, never relinquishing the starting role back to Smith and leading the 49ers to a Super Bowl berth.
Now, Smith figures to have a comparable running game with Jamaal Charles in the backfield, and also has a more traditional No. 1 wide receiver in Dwayne Bowe.
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