KC Chiefs Vs New Orleans Saints: Rating the Match-Ups
Secondary
This one isn’t much of a contest. As bad as the Chiefs have looked against big name quarterbacks like Philip Rivers and Ben Roethlisberger, they were still able to keep the lesser name guys like Brock Osweiler and Ryan Fitzpatrick at bay.
What the Chiefs have going for them is the ability to pick the ball off at any given moment. The Saints don’t have that.
The Chiefs also lead the league in interceptions with nine (five being from Marcus Peters) while the Saints are tied for last in the league with only two picks.
Don’t expect them to increase that number against Alex Smith, who is very good at protecting the football. Knock on wood.
New Orleans’ secondary has gotten torched on a consistent basis this season and while Alex Smith isn’t the type to air the ball out, these corners and safeties will have their hands full. They’ll have to cover Jeremy Maclin and Travis Kelce, while also looking to make a play on Jamaal Charles or Spencer Ware if they get a big running play down the field.
While Kansas City’s secondary has given up big plays, most NFL secondaries have done the same thing. What the Chiefs have going for them is the ability to pick the ball off at any given moment. The Saints don’t have that, and that definitely gives Kansas City the edge.