The Kansas City Chiefs have now lost four of their past five games following a terrible performance against the previously one-win New York Giants.
In losing 12-9, quarterback Alex Smith actually threw more interceptions (two) Sunday than he had in the Chiefs first nine games of the season (one).
Following the loss, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid took time out of his press conference to throw the Pro Bowl quarterback completely under the bus.
When asked who had the responsibility to get the offense in rhythm, the head coach had a rather alarming response.
“The quarterback has the responsibility there,” Reid said, via Pro Football Talk. “He’s a standup guy and he’s always going to tell you he can do better.”
Reid did acknowledge that other factors led to the team’s miserable performance. He also seemed to give Smith somewhat of a compliment there. Even then, to point specifically at Smith as the bearer of responsibility here is rather interesting.
Smith didn’t call a pass for tight end Travis Kelce that resulted in an interception deep on the Giants’ side of the field. He also didn’t commit nine penalties in a game that was ultimately decided in overtime.
With that said, Reid did critique his coaching a bit here, too.
“I’ve got to make sure I’m putting the guys in the right position to make the plays, Alex included, and then when given the chance we’ve got to make them,” Reid said. “Right now it’s one of those things where we’re off by one tick on a play.”
Kansas City is now 6-4 after opening the season with a five-game winning streak. Sure there’s some issues that need to be resolved. But the team is still two games ahead of its closest competition in what is a weak AFC West.