NFC East: How will Redskins QB Alex Smith impact the NFC East? (ESPN)
As the NFL turns its attention to the draft and free agency, Dallas Cowboys reporter Todd Archer, Washington Redskins reporter John Keim, Philadelphia Eagles reporter Tim McManus and New York Giants reporter Jordan Raanan look to the 2018 season with a series of questions this week. Tuesday's question: How will Alex Smith's addition to the Redskins impact the division?
>> How will Redskins QB Alex Smith impact the NFC East?
ESPN
February 27, 2018
espn.com
Tuesday's question: How will Alex Smith's addition to the Redskins impact the division?
John Keim (Washington Redskins reporter): The Redskins internally say they've upgraded at quarterback. Of course, that could be justification for going in a different direction -- toward Smith and away from Kirk Cousins -- as not everyone in the NFL agrees with them. But for part of the season Smith was in the MVP discussion, and if nothing else, he and Cousins are at a comparable level. Smith offers the ability to make more off-schedule plays -- it's how he helped the Chiefs beat Washington last season, and that's always a plus. But here's the biggest plus for Washington: Smith is a lot cheaper. And that's how he'll impact the division. The only way Washington could have retained Cousins was via one of the tags. Let's say it opted for the transition tag, the cheaper of the two. Washington would have paid Cousins $28.8 million. Smith will count $17 million on the cap this season. So the Redskins will have around $34 million to spend on other players rather than just $23 million, giving them the ability to retain some of their own free agents, extend young players or sign others. Smith's presence alone isn't enough, but his ability plus the extra cap room will allow the Redskins to build -- if they spend wisely.
Tim McManus (Philadelphia Eagles reporter): I don't think it moves the needle drastically in either direction. They aren't identical in their playing style, but Smith and Cousins are similar. They are both quality quarterbacks capable of winning (and even winning big) in the right system with a strong supporting cast, but in a tier below the magic-making QBs who can throw a franchise on their shoulders. Smith has completed 67 percent of his passes with an average of 20 touchdowns to seven interceptions over his last three seasons; Cousins also has a 67 percent completion rate over that span while averaging 27 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Cousins is more aggressive as a passer, and Smith is a bit more active with his legs. It's close to a wash in my view. If anything, Washington may have weakened itself at quarterback considering Cousins has more upside at this stage and is 29 years old. Smith is 33. The Redskins have a chance to find success under Smith -- and who knows, maybe he'll be a better fit for coach Jay Gruden -- but the move from Cousins to Smith heightens the urgency to find the quarterback of the future.
Jordan Raanan (New York Giants reporter): Not much. He's a competent quarterback no doubt but a downgrade in my estimation from Kirk Cousins. Smith is going to be 34 years old by the start of the season. This will be the homestretch of his career and he's never thrown 30 touchdown passes in a season. He doesn't strike fear into opposing defenses, especially with his limitations throwing the ball deep downfield. The Redskins can win with Smith if they have the right pieces around him. But do they? They need a running back. They need a No. 1 wide receiver. They need to keep tight end Jordan Reed healthy. They need to upgrade their defense. If they can do most or all of those things in the next year or two then the Alex Smith move can make waves in the NFC East. Otherwise it seems like a shortsighted move for an above-average quarterback in his final few productive seasons. The rest of the division should barely pay it any attention right now.
Todd Archer (Dallas Cowboys reporter): From a Cowboys' perspective, seeing Cousins out of the division isn't a good thing. He had some big passing days against the Cowboys but a 1-6 record. To me, Smith can be more dynamic than Cousins because of his ability when things break down. Yes, he is older, but he has not shown a signs of unwillingness to leave the pocket to make plays. He is also risk averse. In his five-year run with the Kansas City Chiefs, he did not have more than eight interceptions in a season. His best season was 2017, with more than 4,000 yards passing, 26 touchdown passes and five interceptions. But he won't have Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill or Kareem Hunt around him. Coach Jay Gruden wanted Cousins to pull the trigger more, especially down the field. It will be interesting to see if Gruden will get frustrated by Smith in the same manner. First, the Redskins will have to give Smith more skill players, especially at receiver, where they were still waiting for Josh Doctson to break out. If tight end Jordan Reed can stay healthy, that would help. And an improved running game would also help. Smith isn't a carry-the-load type of quarterback like, say, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers, but he can win games. <<
- Eric L. - |
