After 728 days, Washington quarterback Alex Smith took his first start under center since his grueling leg injury in 2018. While they weren’t able to pull out a win in a 30-27 loss in Detroit, Smith proved he has something left in the tank. It wasn’t pretty, but you could see the quarterback in there; the same one that lead the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers to the playoffs so many times.
Ultimately, the Washington Football Team lost due to the team around Smith. They often showed a lack in ability to block or defend against a struggling Detroit offense. In total, Smith had nearly 400 passing yards on 38 completions.
It’s in the throws like the one he made to tight end Logan Thomas as the team came right out of the second half. With two defenders nearby, Smith threw a dart that got the team their first touchdown.
These are not feats of a worn down quarterback, or one recovering from an injury. Instead, these come from a player who isn’t ready to quit. One who didn’t spend the last two years working every day towards an NFL comeback. Smith proved that even with a team limping through one of the worst divisions, he can be a diamond in the rough.
Through his efforts, Smith to be in the conversation as the Comeback Player of the Year. A few more touchdowns, even a deep throw every once in awhile, could elevate his case. Currently, his biggest competition is in Pittsburgh Steelers signal caller Ben Roethlisberger. However, if Smith continues to play efficiently, it would be difficult to discredit his case.
