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Smith shattering assumptions

Alex Smith has long been labeled as a quarterback who can't stretch the field and he was largely living up to that billing through the season's first two weeks, according to Next Gen Stats. His 46-yard touchdown pass to Paul Richardson in Week 3 was his first attempt this season of 40-plus air yards (41.8). As Washington continued to attack the Packers downfield, Smith posted an average of 10.0 air yards per target. In Weeks 1 and 2, he averaged 5.7 air yards per target.





The Redskins would be wise to continue testing defenses deep. Last season with the Chiefs, Smith was 3 for 6 with 191 yards, two touchdowns and a 135.4 passer rating on passes that traveled 40-plus air yards. All but one of those were targets for Tyreek Hill, and while Smith doesn't have a player of Hill's caliber in Washington, Richardson will do just fine.