Let’s go back 2 decades. It was the 2005 NFL Combine when Utah QB Alex Smith ran 40 yards in 4.71 seconds (behind the 4.60 seconds average) and recorded a 32 inch vertical jump (below average 34-36 inches). But he had a wonderlic score of 40 out of 50 (well above the average 24 for QB). The 49ers signed him first overall and signed a $49.5 million rookie deal with $24 million guaranteed. He had the worst rookie season with 1 touchdown and 11 interceptions in 9 games (7 starters). In his own words, “I arguably had maybe the worst rookie season ever.” However, things flipped for him as Andy Reid signed him in 2013 and he trained Patrick Mahomes in 2017.

Everyone is now amazed at his wonderful career progression. He even won the Comeback Player of the Year in 2020 before retiring in 2021. But over 20 years in the league, Alex Smith saw different HC-QB dynamics. During the May 1 episode of The Rich Eisen Show, he talked about the rookie scenario.

While talking about the deal, Patrick Mahomes’ mentor said, “I think we all need to have more patience with these young guys. Unfortunately, there’s this mindset in the NFL that players are supposed to be finished products right away. But very few teams or organizations actually give draft picks — not just quarterbacks — the time they need to develop and grow.” That’s right!

We have seen it happen with the Bears QB Caleb Williams. Former NFL player and analyst Emmanuel Acho didn’t hold back when discussing expectations of the 23-year-old. He listed out all the excuses and put it straight, claiming the quarterback would have no excuses if they fail to qualify for the playoffs this time.

However, there have been some teams that have given enough time. The Cowboys do follow this strategy. You can call Jerry Jones whimsical, but he has always given a good run to the rookie quarterbacks and even players. Even after having Dak Prescott as the starter, they signed Cooper Rush, an undrafted free agent. And played him for 4 years.

However, it’s definitely true that the league has become more result-oriented. Process does matter, but the owners, GMs, HCs, and even fans only count victories and trophies.

Patrick Mahomes’ mentor praises Andy Reid

It happened in the Chiefs as well. Andy Reid drafted Patrick Mahomes in the first round (10th overall). But he did not show any haste to push him into the line of fire. The grim reaper spent one complete season with Alex Smith, playing alongside him and learning from the veteran.

The ex-NFLer praised the head coach and added, “I think one of the amazing attributes of Andy Reid is his ability to develop players. He’s more patient with guys — he gives them room to make mistakes. I can’t tell you how many places I’ve been where the coaching is driven by fear. Players become terrified to make mistakes.”

The haste, however, has become part and parcel of the game now. And the competition is only going to increase. However, the patience propelled Patrick Mahomes to uncharted success. In 2018, just his second year, he played all 16 games as a starter and recorded a 12-4 win-loss record with 232 of 580 passes (66% completion rate) in 5,097 passing yards, 50 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Look at overall achievements. 5 Super Bowls in 8 years with 3 trophies. That’s not a mean feat. And if we look at how strong the QB-HC duo is going, brace yourselves for more championships.