It was a successful double dip for Kansas City sports fans. With the Royals taking game two of the ALDS, the Chiefs made explosive plays in the fourth quarter to defeat the New Orleans Saints 26-13.
Don’t let the final score fool you; the Kansas City Chiefs were in a dogfight with the New Orleans Saints. They struggled in the red zone again and left ten points on the table in the fourth quarter.
Still, as they’ve done this season, the Chiefs found a path to victory, and at 5-0, they head to their bye-week with a laundry list of items they need to clean up.
With the news that Rashee Rice would likely be out this season, the man he replaced, JuJu Smith-Schuster, had a brilliant game. He caught seven passes for 130 yards and was the engine that made KC’s offense go. Yes, he did fail to hold onto a sure touchdown that ended up being intercepted, but in the next series, he had a big 50-yard catch and run.
That play set up Xavier Worthy’s three-yard touchdown run, which, for all practical purposes, ended the Saints’ threat. Despite the score, the Chiefs were dominant. They had seven trips to the red zone on nine attempts. If not for some poor execution, Mahomes and company would have put up forty points.
Again, Mahomes was under pressure all night, and the Saints do have the top red zone defense in the NFL, so they deserve credit as well. Mahomes did complete 28 of 39 passes for 331 yards. Yes, he missed some big plays on the field, but honestly, this was the best he had looked all season.
The Chiefs offense will be a work in progress without Rice, but JuJu and Kareem Hunt’s running, who had 27 carriers, 102 yards rushing, and a touchdown, will likely be the catalysts for Mahomes.
Tight End Travis Kelce had another strong performance, catching nine passes for seventy yards. This offense will feature three and four tight end sets. Once again, they must adapt to their new normal, and honestly, as fans, we must admit that this is how the Chiefs will win football games.
Still, Reid must shore up some of the red zone play calling and get better play from his offensive line – especially in pass protection. If they can shore up those struggles, the Chiefs will still be the team to beat in the AFC.
Let’s be honest. We can nitpick all we want about the struggles, but this team is in a rarified space. Despite how bad they play at times, they make the plays with the game on the line to turn a close game into a win.
We take so much for granted regarding Mahomes and this team that we want the offense of the past. Yet, that’s not going to happen now or in the future. So this is the new normal, and we should accept and appreciate it.
