Mahomes benefited From Year on the Sidelines
Kansas city Chiefs coach Andy Reid believes sitting out his rookie season was crucial to Patrick Mahomes’ development into a star quarterback.
Reid chose to start veteran Alex Smith over the highly touted Mahomes in 2017, a decision that paid dividends for both players.The Chiefs reached the playoffs with Smith at the helm, while Mahomes had the prospect to learn from a seasoned professional.
“I’m not saying he couldn’t have been as great as he is now if he didn’t sit, but being with Alex Smith I thought was something you can’t buy,” Reid saeid. “He was able to sit there and watch a guy who’s the ultimate professional, on and off the field, and just get an idea of the lay of the land of how things work in this league. I think that’s helped him in that part of his career.
Mahomes, a uniquely talented quarterback, was drafted into an ideal situation. Not only did he have Reid as a coach, but he also had the opportunity to spend a year learning behind Smith before taking over as the starter.
Why did Andy Reid believe Patrick Mahomes benefited from learning behind Alex Smith in 2017?
Mahomes benefited From Year on the Sidelines
Kansas city Chiefs coach Andy Reid believes sitting out his rookie season was crucial to Patrick Mahomes’ development into a star quarterback.
Reid chose to start veteran Alex Smith over the highly touted Mahomes in 2017, a decision that paid dividends for both players.the Chiefs reached the playoffs with smith at the helm, while Mahomes had the prospect to learn from a seasoned professional.
“I’m not saying he couldn’t have been as great as he is now if he didn’t sit, but being with alex Smith I thought was something you can’t buy,” Reid saeid. “He was able to sit there and watch a guy who’s the ultimate professional, on and off the field, and just get an idea of the lay of the land of how things work in this league. I think that’s helped him in that part of his career.
Mahomes, a uniquely talented quarterback, was drafted into an ideal situation. Not only did he have Reid as a coach, but he also had the opportunity to spend a year learning behind Smith before taking over as the starter.
Q&A
Q: Why did Andy Reid choose to start Alex Smith over Patrick Mahomes in 2017?
A: Reid wanted to give Mahomes a year to learn the ropes from a veteran quarterback like Smith. This allowed Mahomes to acclimate to the NFL without the pressure of starting right away.
Q: What were the benefits of Mahomes sitting out his rookie season?
A: According to Reid, Mahomes gained invaluable experience by observing Smith’s professionalism both on and off the field. This mentorship helped Mahomes understand the intricacies of the NFL and prepare him for success.
Q: did Mahomes need that year on the sidelines to become a star?
A: Reid acknowledges Mahomes’s unique talent,suggesting he might have still become a star without sitting out. However, he believes the year with Smith was crucial for Mahomes’s development and understanding of the league.
Mahomes’s story highlights the value of mentorship and preparation in developing elite athletes.
