Patriots vs. Chiefs: Examining the Quarterbacks
Patriots vs. Chiefs: Examining the Quarterbacks
Leading up to the Divisional Round showdown between the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs, we here at Musket Fire are examining each of the positional groups and deciding which team has the advantage. This morning, the subject of discussion are the quarterbacks; be sure to join us tomorrow when we take a closer look at the running backs.
Patriots will face Chiefs in Divisional Round
For starters, here’s a summary of the stat sheets of Tom Brady and Alex Smith from the 2015 regular season:
Brady: 64.4 percent completion rate, 4,770 yards, 36 touchdowns, seven interceptions, 102.2 quarterback rating
Smith: 65.3 percent completion rate, 3,486 yards, 20 touchdowns, seven interceptions, 95.4 quarterback rating
As you can see, Brady and Smith overlap in more than one area. They have essentially the same completion percentage, the same amount of interceptions and comparable quarterback ratings. The Patriots and the Chiefs are playing mid-January because both teams have experienced excellent quarterback play this season.
Patriots vs. Chiefs: Early thoughts
Of course, Brady has the upper hand in terms of passing yards and touchdowns. That can be attributed to the Patriots’ pass-centric offense as opposed to the ground-dominated Kansas City attack, as well as Brady being Brady.
One thing that doesn’t show up in passing stats that is perhaps Smith’s strong suit are rushing numbers. Smith was the fourth-best running quarterback this season, tucking and running 84 times for 498 yards, which was actually the second-highest total on the team. Smith picked up 30 first downs (second among Chiefs’ rushers) and two touchdowns.
Brady doesn’t have Smith’s scrambling ability, but he’s been more mobile this year than he has in the past. As a result of his quarterback sneaking, Brady picked up 14 first downs and three touchdowns with his legs this season.
Tom Brady career history against the Chiefs
When it comes to the playoffs, Brady is far more experienced and accomplished than Smith. Brady carries a 21-8 career playoff record into this game, while Smith is just 2-2 in postseason play.
Advantage: Patriots
Not surprisingly, the Patriots have the advantage here. Smith is a very, very good game manager, but he is a game manager nonetheless. For the Chiefs to pull off the upset of their season, Smith and the Chiefs’ offense will have to muster must more firepower than they did against the Houston Texans yesterday.
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Plus, you can bet that Brady will have that Monday Night Football embarrassment in Kansas City from last season on his mind throughout this game. Expect a determined, sharp Brady to take the field on Saturday afternoon.