Washington Redskins QB Alex Smith will have a chip on his shoulder

The Washington Redskins recently traded for Alex Smith and extended him for four years. Set to turn 34-years old this offseason, will this be Smith’s final act?

It’s a fair question, but at the same time, it’s one Alex Smith won’t mind waiting to answer.

Smith has played in every game. He has won every game. Except for one. The Super Bowl.

Granted, Smith was the San Francisco 49ers backup when Colin Kaepernick brought the team to the big dance to face the Baltimore Ravens. But nonetheless, he’s been there. And he wants to get there again. By his own hand, this time.

The Washington Redskins’ front office might not have those same expectations, as flawed as their perception may be. They may view Smith in a more modest light, perhaps as a high-value stopgap or a teacher for the next young quarterback to come to D.C.

But make no mistake. Smith has his own plans.

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How well the veteran quarterback will enact those plans remains to be seen. But it’s clear what Smith wants. It was clear the instant the Chiefs traded up in the 2017 NFL Draft to select Texas Tech quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Smith has at least been a top-half quarterback for much of the last decade. And last year, he had his best year to date, throwing for over 4,000 yards, 26 touchdowns, and just 5 interceptions.

But still, there are people who do not believe in the quarterback. Still, there are people who hold the game manager comparison close to their hearts, and over their eyes.

Smith is not a top-shelf quarterback. And for all but one of his years in the NFL, he was a safe player. A calculated game manager. But last year, he showed the league that if he has the weapons, and if he has a chip on his shoulder, he can be elite.

At 34 years old, people seem to be giving up on Smith. His next destination in D.C. is far from a coveted place to play. The owner is brash. The general manager isn’t even a general manager. The roster has talent, but can it stay healthy? In Washington, there are far more questions than answers, and with Alex Smith, there comes one more.

How long will he last?

Pundits will provide their perceptions, and analysts their interpretations, but Smith is only interested in one opinion, and that’s his. He knows he can play. He knows how to win. And regardless of the situation in Washington, Smith will do his best to pick up where he left off, playing as an MVP candidate in Kansas City.

Next: Redskins CB Fabian Moreau will have big role in 2018

Is Alex Smith guaranteed to succeed in D.C.? No. Is he guaranteed to last even two years through his contract? No one is safe in Washington. But one thing is certain. Smith still has plenty of doubters. And for the veteran, 34 years young, that means plenty of people to prove wrong.

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