Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith is among the winningest at his position in his four years in Kansas City, tallying 41 victories in 61 games. Those results have their roots in training camp, as the quarterbacks work together to improve at their craft with every practice.
That growth is especially important this season, with rookie quarterback Pat Mahomes joining Smith and returning quarterbacks Tyler Bray and Joel Stave. The four players all bring varying levels of experience to the field, but all stand to improve from a productive camp.
"I think we've had a great camp from a QB room perspective," Smith said. "I think we've grown and I think we've been pushing it. Those young guys are playing well. One play at a time, go out and try to execute, be smart, make good throws, stay aggressive - all those things that we kind of talk about."
This camp is a significant one for Bray, who is competing with Mahomes to be Smith's primary backup. Bray has battled injuries throughout his five years in Kansas City, limiting his chances on the field, but he feels he's gotten better this summer.
"I feel a lot more comfortable," Bray said. "I'm going up, making checks and getting in and out of the huddle quickly so I have more time to do that. I'm also executing the plays."
Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy agreed with Bray's assessment.
"I'm happy for Tyler and the effort that he's given us - the patience that he's had. He's really improved as a player," Nagy said. "He knows he has a long way to go, but right now we're just taking it day-by-day and he's doing a good job."
As for Mahomes, it's all about learning as much as he can from every practice.
"It's awesome having those smart offensive minded guys telling you exactly what you need to do on the plays you did well and on the plays you did badly," Mahomes said. "That critiquing all the time, it makes you better. It helps you learn and to make a better decision the next time around."
This group doesn't take themselves too seriously though, as Sydney Ringdahl noted when describing the “Daily QB Challenge.”
It's a group effort between the quarterbacks to push one another, and as camp begins to wind to a close and the preseason gets underway, all four signal callers will have a role to play as the Chiefs get ready for the regular season.
"We are all going to get a different sliver of it," Smith said. "Come preseason, we are all going to do it together, but we are all going to get a different piece."
Tune into the Chiefs first preseason game on KCTV5 on Friday night at 8 pm against the 49ers.
