 Alex Smith took another big step in his personal comeback. His team, on the other hand, fell just short again after another late rally. Smith’s first start since November 2018 nearly finished in storybook fashion when he threw for 390 yards and led Washington back from a 21-point third-quarter deficit. 

But the Detroit Lions ultimately prevailed 30-27. Smith appeared twice in relief earlier this season, an inspiring return to the field after he endured a broken leg, 17 surgeries and a life-threatening infection. He nearly led a big comeback last weekend, but Washington lost that game 23-20 to the New York Giants.

With head coach Ron Rivera benching Dwayne Haskins and Kyle Allen suffering a season ending ankle injury, it was Alex Smith that got the call to start for Washington against Detroit.

While all of Washington's offensive touchdowns came on the ground, two from running back Antonio Gibson and one from backup running back J.D. McKissic, Smith showed he could still be mobile in the pocket and throw the ball downfield.

<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605544760877.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy of Washington Football Team's Twitter" />
                        <figcaption>Photo Courtesy of Washington Football Team's Twitter</figcaption>
                    </figure><p>---Associated Press---</p><p> Alex Smith took another big step in his personal comeback. His team, on the other hand, fell just short again after another late rally. Smith’s first start since November 2018 nearly finished in storybook fashion when he threw for 390 yards and led Washington back from a 21-point third-quarter deficit. </p><p>But the Detroit Lions ultimately prevailed 30-27. Smith appeared twice in relief earlier this season, an inspiring return to the field after he endured a broken leg, 17 surgeries and a life-threatening infection. He nearly led a big comeback last weekend, but Washington lost that game 23-20 to the New York Giants.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">For the first time in 728 days, Alex Smith will start an NFL game today. <br><br>From nearly losing his life and having 17 surgeries to returning to the field, driven in part by a desire to show his children the importance of giving it their all in life. <br><br>Inspiring on a lot of levels.</p>&mdash; Field Yates (@FieldYates) <a href="https://twitter.com/FieldYates/status/1327960542481440769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><p>With head coach Ron Rivera benching Dwayne Haskins and Kyle Allen suffering a season ending ankle injury, it was Alex Smith that got the call to start for Washington against Detroit.</p><p>While all of Washington's offensive touchdowns came on the ground, two from running back Antonio Gibson and one from backup running back J.D. McKissic, Smith showed he could still be mobile in the pocket and throw the ball downfield.</p><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Alex Smith in his first start since his devastating leg injury: 38-for-55 for 390 yards and he brought Washington down from 21 points to tie the game at 27 late.<br><br>For the first time ever, Smith has thrown for 300+ yards in back-to-back games. <br><br>Even in defeat, a special day.</p>&mdash; Field Yates (@FieldYates) <a href="https://twitter.com/FieldYates/status/1328085187759136772?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

For the first time in 728 days; Former Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith starts NFL game