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Rough day for Chiefs offense as Alex Smith completes less than 50 percent

Alex Smith, who completed every attempt in the Chiefs' first training camp practice, completed less than half of his passes Thursday. Charlie Riedel/AP

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- The passing game of the Kansas City Chiefs had its worst day at training camp with starting quarterback Alex Smith completing less than 50 percent of his passes in full team and 7-on-7 drills.

“There’s a lot of ... learning going on," said offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, offering a possible explanation. “We’re throwing a lot at these guys ... with all the plays that we have. Most of this stuff we’ve done in [offseason practice], so they’re aware of it, but then when you see it against our defense and some of the different looks our defense gives them, it can be challenging sometimes."

The Chiefs’ top three quarterbacks, including Tyler Bray and rookie Patrick Mahomes II, had generally been sharp through the first several days of practice. Smith completed all 13 of his passes in the first practice at camp.

That turned around Thursday as Smith completed 14-of-29 with two interceptions. The other quarterbacks weren’t much better. Bray and Mahomes each threw an interception. The four picks equaled the total from the first three competitive practices from camp combined.

The quarterbacks didn’t get much help from their receivers, who dropped six passes.