KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the New Orleans Saints 26-13 on “Monday Night Football,” showcasing a powerful offensive performance.
Entering the game with uncertainties regarding their wide receivers, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster emerged as a standout player, recording seven catches for 130 yards. The Saints faced challenges in scoring, and quarterback Derek Carr had to leave the game in the fourth quarter due to an oblique injury.
This victory marked a significant win for the Chiefs, as it was their first comfortable margin this season. Previously, they had tight finishes in their last seven games, dating back to the playoffs of the previous season. With this win, Kansas City improved their record to 5-0, maintaining a streak of at least five consecutive wins in each of head coach Andy Reid’s 12 seasons.
In terms of player contributions, Kareem Hunt stepped up in the absence of Isiah Pacheco, who is recovering from a leg injury. Hunt achieved 102 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries, proving he deserves a spot in the rotation once Pacheco returns.
Despite their strong performance, the Chiefs struggled in the red zone, converting only 2-of-6 opportunities into touchdowns. A moment of confusion occurred when Smith-Schuster deflected a pass at the goal line, resulting in an interception for New Orleans.
Smith-Schuster’s performance was particularly notable as he had been quiet in the previous games, managing only two catches over the first four weeks. He filled in effectively for the injured Rashee Rice, especially excelling with yards after the catch.
As for the Saints, things took a turn for the worse as Carr ended the game on the sidelines, resulting from a deep pass attempt that left him hobbling off the field. Despite some successes, including a 43-yard touchdown pass from Carr to Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans struggled to regain momentum, marking their third consecutive loss.
A highlight for the Saints was defensive tackle Khalen Saunders, who made an impressive one-handed interception in the end zone. He also brought attention to his connection to Taylor Swift, as his brother is a backup dancer for the pop star.
Issues for the Saints included problems on the offensive line, which hindered their ability to run the ball effectively. Carr attempted a series of deep passes but struggled to connect, posting suboptimal statistics on those plays.
Carr’s final numbers showed some ups and downs, completing 18-of-28 passes for 165 yards, a touchdown, and an interception before leaving the game. Backup quarterback Jake Haener finished with 2-of-7 completions for 17 yards in his first significant playing time this season.
Looking ahead, the Chiefs will face the San Francisco 49ers, while the Saints prepare to encounter the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.