CRAIG GLAZER CONSIDERS THE IMPACT QB ALEX SMITH MIGHT HAVE ON THE CHIEFS!!!

TKC NOTE: Tonight Craig Glazer offers some expert insight into a recent high-profile trade and its impact on Kansas City's NFL football franchise. Check it:

Does Alex Smith make the Chiefs a contender?

‘If you start me up, If you start me up, I never stop…’

Nobody has been more down on the Chiefs organization over the past decade than me. After the phony 2003 season where Dick Vermeil led his ball club to nine straight victories before falling apart, I finally came to terms with what a poor football team the Kansas City Chiefs were and had been for some time. In fact, my brother Jeff convinced me to bet heavily against the Chiefs in their one and only playoff game against the Colts. Reason; the Kansas City Chiefs had about the worst modern day NFL defense I had ever seen. What I learned that day, though saddened by the loss, was that my home team was a great opportunity to make money by betting against them which I continued to do. Example: this past year after I watched the Chiefs in pre-season I realize they stunk, they had nothing. To that end I made some nice moves taking Atlanta and the Colts over KC while I was in Vegas. I even flew to Vegas so I could make larger bets against the Chiefs. Both calls were correct.

I have mixed feelings about the Chiefs acquiring San Francisco 49’er quarterback Alex Smith. This is a big step up for the Chiefs. Given the fact that there is nobody in the draft that looks to be the answer, coupled with the fact that Alex is really the only available veteran with a nice pedigree, it’s really the best move they could have made. Tip of the hat to Coach Andy Reid and General Manager John Dorsey. This move continues the Chiefs love affair with 49’er quarterbacks.

Clearly, it is not nearly the excitement Chiefs fans got when we landed Joe Montana in 1993. Steve Bono, another former 49’er quarterback did lead Kansas City to another 13 and 3 season but was overall, disappointing. Matt Cassell has been a colossal failure, a gift from the Pats. Alex Smith has had two very good years back to back. Smith has proven to be a solid starter with a good ‘niner team. Kansas City gave up their number two pick in this year’s draft and a mid-round pick next year. Kansas City will also pay Alex his seven million dollar a year contract fee for two seasons. Is Alex gonna lead us to a Super Bowl? Doubtful. However, if the Chiefs continue to make some good moves, it is likely they will find themselves in the playoffs as soon as next season.

Now let’s not get carried away. I see the Chiefs winning between six and ten games in 2013. A big improvement over last season. There’s no doubt the media will be talking about Kansas City as a wildcard team; at least before the season starts. As long as Peyton Manning is healthy, Denver wins the west. KC could sneak in as a wildcard with nine or ten wins.

To achieve this lofty goal, Kansas City will need to acquire another quality Wide Receiver like Green Bay’s Greg Jennings or Pittsburgh’s Mike Wallace. Kansas City will resign Dwayne Bowe, he’s our only receiving threat at this time. The Chiefs will consider acquiring Tight End Jermichael Finley from Green Bay since that position has also been a glaring weakness. Tony Moeaki has been a disappointment with both injuries and mediocre play. Kansas City will draft Luke Joeckel as their number one pick in the first round; that is a big plus. This draft for Kansas City is critical since we need help in so many areas including another running back, a young pass receiver, help in our defensive backfield and a much more dangerous defensive line, we need a pass rusher that can get to the quarterback.

It’s likely the Chiefs will release or trade Matt Cassell. Matt would be a hot property as a back-up somewhere else. With that done, Kansas City may draft a quarterback in the third or fourth round.

Will Alex Smith make Chiefs fans happy? Well, as I’ve just explained they will have to make several other moves around him to solidify a mediocre team. Remember this, with their five all-pros last year they were 2 and 14. The only all-pro I saw was Jamaal Charles. Maybe I missed something.

There is no doubt that leading up to game one of the regular season, Chiefs fans will have something to be excited about.
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