Originally posted by 24plus25er:
AB81 much respect for your brother but that defense is getting way too much credit, a few weeks ago... yes they 75% of the reason the Chiefs were rolling. But two times they had to slow down Denver and couldn't while Alex and the O still put up more than enough points to win the ball game. Yet the Chargers D put it on the Broncos at Mile High. Then yesterday the Raiders rolled up like 30 points.
How can that defense be getting too much credit when they are top 5 in point allowed per game, takeaways & sacks ?
You can't cite 2 games against their division rival (who have been putting up ridiculous numbers on just about everyone) as sound reasoning especially when you look at the entire body of work to date. The KC offense put up 17 points the first game vs Denver and 21 points the second game against a team that has been averaging 38 points per game. What the Chargers did this past Thursday was impressive, as it was the first time all season that Denver scored fewer than 27 points.
The Raiders game and the second game vs Denver, the KC defense has not had Justin Houston who has been a major factor on defense all year, and the second game vs Denver that KC defense had Tamba Hali playing on a sprained wheel. Also ask AFC West fan, the Raiders almost always play better than they are against KC at home.
Originally posted by DarkKnight1680:
Theoretically, if Denver falters in one of their final 2 games, and the Chiefs win out...how is Alex Smith not in the MVP conversation?
The only real on-field difference between the 2-14 last-place Chiefs and the (theoretical) 13-3 first place Chiefs is Alex Smith. Isn't that the definition of "Most Valuable"...a guy who is the main difference between 2 and 13 wins?
If any Chief deserves to be in the conversation for MVP it's Jamaal Charles. 1181 rushing yards, 11 TD's + 65 catches for 655 yards and 7 TD's. Far superior to Alex's numbers. As far as the actual game tape goes, how many games has Alex thrown that team on his shoulders and led them to a win ? Charles has been far more valuable to that offense that Alex has.
As far as on field differences go, Andy Reid has made a very noticeable on field difference with his offensive scheme, play calling and game planning for opponents. ST's stalwart Dave Toub who I reckon might be the best acquisition any team made this offseason has helped the Chiefs become the best ST's unit in the NFL this year, and have been a huge difference maker for them. And then their is Dontari Poe who is playing very well this year and has rarely been subbed out for that defense, he has made a huge leap from year one to year two.
To answer the OP's question, no Alex is not the steal of the offseason, IMHO Dave Toub is. We got the best possible deal for Alex, and both sides have little to complain about at this point.