RICHMOND — As the Redskins’ special teams were practicing on the main field, quarterback Alex Smith kept busy. The 34-year-old was off to the sideline, throwing passes to Jordan Reed.
Smith, after all, was doing what he could to get on the same page with the star tight end. Until now, the two haven’t been able to practice together since Reed sat out OTAs while he recovered from two toe surgeries.
Every possible moment needs to be taken advantage of, especially with Smith being new to the offense.
“There’s no substitute for reps,” Smith said.
Smith, entering his 14th season, knows there will be a learning curve as he adjusts to his third team. Sure it helps he is well-versed in the West Coast offense, which Jay Gruden runs, but each coaching staff has their own verbiage, skill sets and preferences.
But after the Redskins completed their first training camp practice Thursday, Smith said his best football is still ahead of him.
“I still feel like I have been ascending,” said Smith, who had a career-year last season. “I still feel like I haven’t reached my potential which pushes me [and] challenges me to continue to strive to get better. I still feel like I am a young 34-year-old and I do have a lot of ball ahead of me. I am excited to keep pushing that — push that ceiling.
“I still feel like I haven’t reached it.”
The Redskins believe him, which is why they gave Smith a four-year, $94 million extension with $71 million guaranteed as part of the team’s trade with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Smith, drafted first overall in 2005, hasn’t fit the prototype of a No. 1 pick. Once viewed as a bust, his career didn’t take off until the San Francisco 49ers hired Jim Harbaugh in 2011. Since then, Smith’s production has blossomed — and he made the playoffs six of the last seven years.
Last year, Smith had 4,042 yards for 26 touchdowns to five interceptions. He thrives on short-to-intermediate throws, though his deep ball was surprisingly effective in 2017. Smith ranked first in deep ball accuracy, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
Wide receiver Paul Richardson, who is also getting used to Washington’s offense after joining the team in free agency from Seattle, said Smith can adjust to the different tempos of his receivers.
“That’s what a lot of us want — we want a ball from a quarterback that we can catch and make a move,” he said.
Smith is also making an impression in meeting rooms. Running back Chris Thompson recalled a conversation with defensive line coach Jim Tomsula in which the two marveled over the Smith’s ability to connect.
“We had three meetings (Wednesday) and he sat in a different spot every single time, just trying to talk to different guys and get a feel for everybody on the team,” Thompson said. “I just think that’s great. That’s a trait from your quarterback that you like to see.”
Thompson, like Reed, has to get caught up to speed with Smith, given the running back is recovering from a broken leg. Thompson, Reed and the rest of the Redskins’ injured players are being eased into camp.
Smith, though, said the key is to stay short-sighted.
“Our focus is on that but really it starts here in camp,” Smith said. “We have to have a great camp. We have to great work against each other. We need to make each other better.”
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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