ST. JOSEPH, MO. • Kansas City quarterback Alex Smith had tight end Travis Kelce open over the middle on a third-and-9 situation from the Seattle 22. But just as Smith was about to throw, a Seahawks defender stepped into the throwing lane.
The pocket collapsed and Smith scrambled far to his left, throwing downfield on the run. And there was Jeremy Maclin, tight-roping the sideline long enough to make the catch at the 1-yard line. The Chiefs scored on the next play.
OK, it’s just the preseason. But that play Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium symbolized the development of Smith-to-Maclin as a potent tandem in the passing game.