KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Andy Reid said the Kansas City Chiefs would have connected on some long pass plays on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts if Alex Smith been able to play the entire game at quarterback.

But the fact is the Chiefs got those big pass plays when Nick Foles was their quarterback and not Smith. The two shared the position because of Smith’s concussion that wasn’t a concussion, and the offense looked different when Foles was in charge.

Foles, in 22 pass attempts, completed four throws of 28 yards or more. Smith, with 19 attempts had none. Smith, in the season’s first six games, had eight throws of 28 yards or more.

Nick Foles brought an aspect to the vertical passing game that the Chiefs have been missing this season. Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Reid got a little combative on Monday when I asked whether the Chiefs have more capability to throw down the field with Foles.

“I’m not sure I like the way you’re going with this,’’ Reid said. “Alex can do all the things that need to be done in this offense and do them at a Pro Bowl-caliber level.

“I’m not sure we quite realize how good he is. We’ve opened this thing up further than we’ve maybe opened it up. He does a tremendous job. It’s a shame he didn’t get a chance to finish off the game plan because he would have had a ton of success with it.’’

Reid indicated the Chiefs liked their matchups against the Colts when throwing down the field. The Chiefs script their first 15 plays and some deep throws were coming up on the play list when Smith was hurt for the first time on the ninth play of the game.

Smith later returned to the game before leaving for good in the third quarter.

“To think one would have done better than [the other], I don’t think that,’’ Reid said. “I think if Alex had been in we would have done the same thing.’’

Reid later said Smith would be the starting quarterback when he’s ready to play. That could be on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Arrowhead Stadium.

That’s certainly a reasonable stance. Smith has a lot going for him. The Chiefs have benefited from his consistency. His ability to protect the ball has helped the Chiefs stay in and even win a lot of games in his three-plus seasons as their starter. It’s right for Reid to stand up for Smith publicly.

But the passing game the Chiefs showed with Foles could carry them a long way if combined with their many other attributes. If they can get it with Smith as the QB, that’s great.

If not, making a change at quarterback is something for Reid to consider.