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Rewatch: Saints vs. Chiefs on NFL+

Read: Saints' Carr exits in the fourth quarter with an oblique injury
Read: JuJu, Hunt turn back the clock with 100-yard performances in the win
Read: 324-pound Saunders on INT: "Running back days flashed in my head"
Read: Mahomes: "People starting to realize our defense is playing their tail off"

Chiefs Secure Another Win

The Chiefs continue their streak, improving to 5-0 despite not always looking dominant on the field. Following their selection of Xavier Worthy in the first round, fantasy football fans were eager for an explosive offense. However, while the offensive numbers aren’t dazzling, Kansas City is still racking up wins. They amassed 460 yards but struggled in the red zone, failing to score touchdowns on four consecutive attempts. This allowed the Saints to stay competitive in a game they should have lost much earlier. Nevertheless, like previous wins against Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Baltimore, the Chiefs found a way to clinch the victory. Despite critiques regarding their performance, they continue to embody the spirit of back-to-back champions.

Saints Struggle to Find Their Groove

The Saints, who started the season strong, have seen a drastic decline in their performance. After scoring 91 points in their first two games, they’ve only managed 49 points in their last three, all losses. Monday night’s game was particularly disappointing, as they were dominated in time of possession. Derek Carr faced immense pressure, often being forced into unfavorable situations by a relentless Chiefs defense. With their running game faltering and the offense resembling their disappointing 2023 form rather than the dynamic unit they started the season with, the Saints, now at 2-3, urgently need to regroup.

Mahomes: Analyzing His Performance

Although Patrick Mahomes' numbers may not reflect his typical dominance, they must be viewed in the context of his current supporting cast. With Kareem Hunt and Carson Steele as his primary ball carriers and a heavy reliance on two-tight-end sets, Mahomes' challenges have increased, especially following the loss of Rashee Rice. Fortunately, JuJu Smith-Schuster stepped up with his best performance in nearly two years, although he had a crucial drop that could have changed the game. Nonetheless, Mahomes' ability to throw for 331 yards, despite the inconsistencies around him, is commendable.

Chiefs' Defense Shines

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's strategy proved effective as the Chiefs' defense pressured Saints quarterbacks on over 55% of their dropbacks. They limited Saints receivers to an average target separation of just 2.8 yards, indicating strong coverage. Although they dialed up 14 blitzes, the efficiency of their rush suggested that even more could have been used. This performance marks a potential turning point for a defense that has shown flashes of greatness, positioning them as a top unit in points and yards allowed.

Saints' Defensive Struggles

New Orleans entered the game without key defensive players, which impacted their performance. Currently, the Saints rank 17th in total yards allowed and 24th in passing yards, surrendering an average of 233.8 yards per game. Despite managing to stand firm in the red zone, their inability to prevent the Chiefs from accumulating 460 total yards raises concerns. The only bright spots were a few key plays, including Khalen Saunders' interception, but the overall defensive performance left much to be desired.

Next Gen Stats Insight

At 324 pounds, Saints defensive tackle Khalen Saunders recorded a top speed of 15.79 mph on his 36-yard interception return, marking the third-fastest speed by a ball carrier weighing over 320 pounds since 2016.

NFL Research

JuJu Smith-Schuster's seven catches for 130 yards on Monday marked his first 100-plus-yard game since Week 7 of the 2022 season, ending a 24-game drought without reaching the century mark.