ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — Alex Smith has done everything in training camp that Chiefs coach Andy Reid expects of him.
He's made the tight throws and smart reads. He's thrown the ball away when things break down and avoided the big mistakes. He's changed plays when it's wise and checked down when it's prudent.
In short, Smith has been the consummate veteran quarterback.
It hasn't stopped him from feeling some heat.
As the 33-year-old incumbent has toiled away under a hot Missouri sun, Patrick Mahomes II has dazzled coaches and fans alike with natural moxie and a big arm.