Alex Smith has been under quite a bit of scrutiny in his time with the KC Chiefs. While it may be well warranted at times, he has now become the winningest quarterback in franchise history in his first three seasons with the team.

Alex Smith has been labeled as a “game-manager.” He is the prime example in the NFL of a game-manger, as he really doesn’t like to throw the ball down the field very often and he doesn’t turn the ball over very often. Both attributes are the prime attributes of quarterbacks labeled as a game-manager.

Smith has now led his team on an eight-game winning streak after their blowout win against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Smith threw for 171 yards and a touchdown pass on 21-of-25 passing. He also added 17 rush yards on four carries. His touchdown pass came in the first half on a long connection with his new, top target, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin.

With the eighth win of the season coming against the Ravens, Alex Smith is now 29-17 in the regular season since being traded to the Chiefs a couple of off-seasons back when he was traded from the San Francisco 49ers for two Chiefs second round picks (both from different seasons). His 29 wins is the most by any Chiefs quarterback through his first three seasons with the club, and his third season still isn’t over yet.

Some of the best quarterbacks in Chiefs’ history can’t even compare to the success that Smith is having in Kansas City so far. Trent Green, one of the Chiefs best quarterbacks in recent memory, was 28-20 through three seasons. Super Bowl IV winner Len Dawson was 23-17 through three years, and arguably the best quarterback in history, Joe Montana was 20-12 in just two seasons with the team.

Green was the guy that most thought could bring a playoff win or two to Kansas City, but he never delivered even though he led the Chiefs to 13-3 back in 2003. Dawson won the Chiefs’ only Super Bowl, and Montana was the last Chiefs’ quarterback to earn a playoff win back in February, 1994.

Alex Smith is proving to be what the Chiefs’ offense needs. He takes care of the ball, makes smart throws, and is able to get out of the pocket in order to extend plays. Not turning the ball over has formed their identity, and takes a lot of pressure of the defense. He is on his way to being one of the best quarterbacks in KC Chief history.

What do you think? Is Alex Smith on his way to a long career in Kansas City? Could he be one of the best quarterbacks in Chiefs’ history when all is said and done? Let me know what you think in the comments section below!