The New Orleans Saints go marchin' in to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Monday night. The Chiefs (4-0) look to continue their Houdini act going on "Monday Night Football" in Week 5. Much like the start to their 2023 season, the Kansas City Chiefs don't look to be operating at full strength, especially offensively. Some of that is due to the un-Mahomes like start by Patrick Mahomes, some of it is injury, but all of it is eyebrow raising.
Speaking of eyebrow-raising, it was such a start for the Saints in 2024: With two explosive wins over the Panthers and Cowboys in the first two weeks of the season, New Orleans has come back to Earth with losses in their last two weeks. Defensively, the Saints are among the league's best, making for a challenge for the already-struggling KC offense in Week 5.
The Saints and Chiefs head to "Monday Night Football" itching for wins. The Saints are looking to get back on track after a two-game losing streak, while the Chiefs are looking to keep their undefeated record intact.
Early Game Highlights
The Chiefs' defense, not their Patrick Mahomes-led offense, has been the strength of this team through a 4-0 start. That continues to hold true early against the Saints. Kansas City's defense comes up with another stop, forcing a second-straight 3-and-out from the Saints. That's an interception and two 3-and-outs on three Saints possessions. Derek Carr has been under constant pressure from Steve Spagnuolo's defense to great success for Kansas City.
After a first-drive interception, the Saints go 3-and-out on their second and punt. This could spiral quickly for New Orleans. The Saints defense forces a 3-and-out and a Chiefs punt for a big early stop. A second Chiefs score in two possessions would've spelled trouble for the Saints.
The Chiefs convert the turnover into a 10-play, 78-yard drive capped by a 5-yard Kareem Hunt touchdown run. 7-0 Chiefs, and a brutal start for the Saints. Kareem Hunt ran five times for 23 yards on the scoring drive and appears to have the top spot on Kansas City's running back depth chart locked up in the absence of Isiah Pacheco. Travis Kelce caught three passes for 31 yards to help set up the touchdown. The Chiefs take over on a sensational interception by safety Bryan Cook. Derek Carr throws a deep ball up for grabs under pressure on first down, and Cook comes up with it for a turnover on the first drive of the game.
The Saints Respond
The Saints are finally moving the ball. Multiple first downs on this drive, and their over midfield. Derek Carr connected with Rashid Shaheed on a post route for a TD. The speedy Shaheed caught the Carr deep ball, a 43-yard strike for the TD. A successful extra point means this is a 10-7 game in the second. Chiefs lead. The Saints cap the drive with a deep ball from Derek Carr to Rashid Shaheed for a 43-yard touchdown. Shaheed takes the top off the defense, and Carr finds him running free toward the end zone. 10-7, Chiefs.
The Chiefs Pull Away
The Chiefs offense is still the Chiefs offense, even when it doesn't look like the Chiefs offense. After facing a second-and-34 and a third-and-22, the Chiefs converted a fourth-and-1 opportunity to put themselves in good position to score before halftime. Travis Kelce took a rough hit from Saints linebacker Anfernee Orji right on his shoulder. ESPN cameras caught Kelce wincing a bit after the hit, but he wouldn't end up in the blue medical tent. Highlighting the effort on the drive was a Travis Kelce pitch to Samaje Perine which put the Chiefs in position on a fourth-and-short opportunity, which they converted. The Chiefs had a golden opportunity to go up two touchdowns, but an inopportune holding call followed by a Patrick Mahomes miss of Samaje Perine in the end zone means Kansas City settled for a field goal. They lead 10-0 in the second. The Saints burn 22 seconds before punting back to the Chiefs after a 3-and-out. The Chiefs have a chance to tack on another score before halftime. Kansas City leads, 13-7 with 58 seconds remaining in the half.
The Chiefs Defense Shines
Alontae Taylor just blew up a Chiefs play in the backfield and potentially short-circuited a Kansas City drive that had moved into Saints territory. Put Kansas City in second-and-24. Chiefs running back Carson Steele lost the ball a week after a fumble landed him on the bench. Xaiver Worthy recovered for the Chiefs. A sack of Patrick Mahomes puts the Chiefs in third-and-14 and ultimately forces Kansas City to settle for a field goal. Harrison Butker coverts from 34 yards, and the Chiefs extend their lead to 13-7 with 1:32 remaining before halftime. And now the Chiefs have a first down. They ended up in second-and-34 after a holding penalty. On third-and-22, Travis Kelce caught a pass from Patrick Mahomes on a crossing route, then lateraled the ball to Samaje Perine.
Saints' Injury Concerns
Saints safety Will Harris limped off the field after appearing to suffer a non-contact leg injury. He was down on the Chiefs sideline for an extended period before walking to the locker room.
Key Moments
The Chiefs couldn't quite follow up on their second-and-34 efforts, faced a third-and-long and instead kicking a 34-yard field goal attempt after they couldn't convert. Kansas City leads 13-7 with 1:32 left in the half. Saints running back and return man Jamaal Williams nearly had an brutal botch on a kickoff return before half. Williams nearly took a knee just outside the goal line, which would have placed the ball at the 1-yard line. Instead, he opted to return the ball and got out to the 21-yard line. The Saints would punt back to the Chiefs soon after.
Looking Ahead
This matchup between the Chiefs and the Saints has all the makings of a thrilling game. The Chiefs are the favorites, but the Saints have the potential to pull off an upset. With both teams looking to make a statement, this is a game that you won't want to miss.
