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KC Chiefs Must Capitalize on Weak Saints Defense

By Leigh Oleszczak

Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) is pursued by New Orleans Saints strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (32) and cornerback Ken Crawley (46) in the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Raiders won, 35-34. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) is pursued by New Orleans Saints strong safety Kenny Vaccaro (32) and cornerback Ken Crawley (46) in the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Raiders won, 35-34. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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The KC Chiefs will play host to the New Orleans Saints this weekend, and it’s a very winnable game for Kansas City against that bad Saints defense.

It’s no secret that the New Orleans Saints have one of the worst defenses in the entire National Football League. They’re 20th in passing yards allowed, 17th in rushing yards allowed, 19th in receiving yards allowed, and rank 28th in total points allowed.

This is a match-up that the Kansas City Chiefs MUST take advantage of.

We saw them tackle that obstacle last week against the Oakland Raiders, who presented a similar style of play to that of New Orleans. The Raiders are an offensive team all the way, with Derek Carr and his core of receivers taking care of business and trying to put the game away each and every week.

Oakland’s downfall, however, was their defense, who the Chiefs ran all over on Sunday.

Kansas City will look to do the same against New Orleans’ defense, but will also look to attack that weak secondary as well.

Alex Smith is a good quarterback when the run game gets going because it opens up more opportunities for him with the play calling. When the Chiefs get behind by a lot early on, Smith has to rely on the passing game and gets flustered in doing so.

With the Chiefs taking on Drew Brees this week, it’ll be important for the Chiefs to get a lot done on the offensive side of the ball. The defense should be able to keep Brees and company in check, but they’re not going to hold him to ten points like they did to Carr last week.

New Orleans has gotten pounded on defense this year, and the Chiefs need to take advantage of that and run away with this one early.

Brees and the Saints have put up over 30 points in their last two games, but those games were against weaker defenses.

The Chiefs are probably the toughest defense that the Saints will have played so far this season.

If the Chiefs want any shot at winning this game, they need to get creative with their offensive play calling. This doesn’t mean have Jeremy Maclin attempt a pass in the red zone. Don’t get cute in the red zone.

When I say creative, I mean get everyone involved. Most importantly, get Travis Kelce involved. He’s only one of the best tight ends in the entire sport. Use him.

New Orleans has gotten pounded on defense this year, and the Chiefs need to take advantage of that and run away with this one early. Once they get ahead, they shouldn’t slow down, because we’ve seen how poorly that’s worked out in the past.

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The Saints have a lot of injuries on their defense, which has led to a lot of youngsters being present and we all know that youth takes time to develop in any sport.

Kenny Vaccaro, the team’s first rounder in 2013, is a talented safety and is probably the best guy the Saints have in the secondary. B.W. Webb has been a nice story, but he and rookie Vonn Bell still have a ways to go before being scary defenders in the NFL.

New Orleans’ biggest name on defense is Cameron Jordan, who will be the biggest challenge for the Chiefs’ offensive line. He only has two and a half sacks so far this year, but has notched 12 tackles so far in this young season.

Jordan is probably the scariest name on that defense and one of the Saints’ few strengths on that side of the ball. He’s someone that the offensive line will need to do their best to contain.

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As for what the Chiefs can do to win, it’s simple. Run, run, run, and sprinkle in some creative plays here and there.

If Jamaal Charles and Spencer Ware rush for over 100 yards combined and multiple scores, then the KC Chiefs have no excuse not to win this game. Gash the Saints on the ground and also take opportunities to include Kelce, Maclin, Chris Conley, and Tyreek Hill.

Hell, throw a screen pass to De’Anthony Thomas, I don’t care. Just shake things up! Keep that New Orleans defense on their toes and make them look as bad as their other five opponents have so far this season.

Buckle your seat belts, Chiefs Kingdom. This game could be a high scoring affair.

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