The Kansas City Chiefs are undefeated (4-0) and but for a handful of plays, the New Orleans Saints (2-2) probably would be unbeaten, too. But the last two losses by New Orleans – 15-12 to Philadelphia and 26-24 to Atlanta – highlight how fine is the line between winning and losing in the NFL.
If the Saints are to get back on the right side of that line against Kansas City on Monday night at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., here are a couple of possible helpers for the cause:
1. EVERYBODY HATES CHRIS
Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones is a five-time All-Pro, and he's every bit as dominating as his 6-foot-6, 310-pound frame suggests. Of course, it'd be nice if the Saints had Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy available to help fend off Jones, and now his replacement, Shane Lemieux, has been ruled out with an ankle injury, setting it up for newcomer Connor McGovern to start. McGovern, Landon Young, left guard Lucas Patrick (who didn't practice Friday or Saturday) and tackles Taliese Fuaga and Trevor Penning will need a great plan to keep quarterback Derek Carr clean and effective, because Jones will not exclusively line up in one place. He can, and has, singularly wrecked offensive game plans so holding him at bay is Priority 1.
2. CHUNK IT UP
Neutralizing Jones and the defensive front will go a long way toward allowing Carr and receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed to produce a few chunk plays. Those were scarce the previous two games and if the Saints are going to make the Chiefs' defense loosen, rediscovery is necessary. That happens only if the play is given time to develop, and that's where the offensive line comes in. As usual, Alvin Kamara's presence is huge at running back and it may have to be even more so, since Taysom Hill is out with rib fractures. Jamaal Williams can give the Saints some of Hill's work at running back, but Hill fills a multitude of roles that must be maneuvered through. Kendre Miller could see a few touches as well.
3. ABK (ANYBODY BUT KELCE)
The Chiefs are a bit low in the offensive weaponry department without receiver Rashee Rice and running back Isiah Pacheco. But if nothing else, quarterback Patrick Mahomes has proven resilient and resourceful, able to use whatever he has available to get the job done. That said, tight end Travis Kelce remains a mismatch and the Chiefs want to get him the ball. After totaling eight catches for 69 yards in the first three games, Kelce popped for 89 yards on seven catches against the Chargers. Not monumental numbers, but perhaps proof that he and his quarterback are warming to the task. New Orleans must know where Kelce is at all times, and he especially can be dangerous when Mahomes scrambles to buy time.
4. STILL GOTTA STOP RUN
Even with Mahomes at quarterback, the Saints still must stop the run and make the Chiefs one-dimensional. Yes, Mahomes is a two-time NFL MVP and three-time Super Bowl MVP and has proven that he's capable of willing an offense in the biggest and most important games, but if he has an effective run game at his disposal, the Chiefs will be impossible to slow down. If Saints linebacker Demario Davis is back – and, boy, does he need to be back – his knowledge hopefully will give the Saints a chance to figure out a few of Mahomes' tendencies.
5. NO ASSISTANCE NECESSARY
New Orleans has been its own worst enemy in its losses, allowing a couple of chunk plays to Philadelphia that led to touchdowns, then handing the Falcons a couple of touchdowns on a muffed punt and interception return. On the road, against the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs, is not the time or place to be sloppy with the ball or assignments. The Saints don't have to be perfect, but being close sure won't hurt.
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