5 NFL Stats to Know Through Week 16
Alex Smith's 0.20 Passing NEP per Drop Back is the Best of His Career
In Alex Smith's first 11 NFL seasons, he has never once finished with a Passing NEP per drop back of better than 0.14. In fact, he only posted a positive value in six of those seasons.
And when the Kansas City Chiefs drafted Patrick Mahomes with the 10th overall pick in this year's NFL Draft, many wondered whether Smith would even be the starting quarterback this season. Instead Smith turned in the most productive passing season of his career in just 15 games. Here's where his numbers in 2017 stack up in terms of his whole career:
| Category | Total | Rank Among Alex Smith Seasons |
|---|---|---|
| Attempts | 505 | 2nd |
| Completions | 341 | 1st |
| Yards | 4,042 | 1st |
| Touchdowns | 26 | 1st |
| Interceptions | 5 | T-1st |
It remains to be seen whether he will be back under center in Kansas City next year, but Smith exceeded expectations this season.
