At every turn this week, the Chiefs' coach has had to defend his veteran quarterback, pointing out that the problems with the Kansas City offense extend far beyond him. Reid has even singled out himself for failing to live up to his own standards, so carefully has he protected his signal-caller.
But as bad as Smith has been lately, as the Chiefs have lost five of six, there is a nugget of truth to Reid's assertion: The problems in Kansas City extend far beyond one player.
Yet it's no surprise the drumbeat has sounded loudly for Reid to turn to the backup quarterback, who is often the most popular player on a team.