AP

While it wouldn’t have been difficult to improve on their quarterback situation from last year, the Chiefs got a boost of confidence when they traded for Alex Smith.

And being better is apparently such a new feeling it has left them light-headed.

“Ultimately, every team has to have a quarterback,” Chiefs offensive coordinator Doug Pederson said, via Randy Covitz of the Kansas City Star. “I think we have the best in the league.”

While there are probably fans in New England and Green Bay (and Denver and New Orleans and Baltimore and Atlanta and Indianapolis and San Francisco and and a lot of other places) who would disagree, Pederson was steadfast about Smith.

“There are a lot of great ones,” Pederson said, “but over time, Alex has proven he can get it done. He’s a sharp guy, he brings a wealth of knowledge, he’s experienced, he’s a proven winner the last couple of years, and he needs a team to embrace him.”

If Pederson’s intent was to give Smith a big, verbal hug to give him more confidence, then mission accomplished.

But if Pederson believes that, people are going to think he’s been spending more time riding around with the Broncos front office than inside Arrowhead Stadium.