Chiefs pull away to victory vs. Saints

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs faced one main question heading into Monday Night’s game against the New Orleans Saints: How would the offense change without injured receiver Rashee Rice?

On this night, Kansas City succeeded by using numerous tight ends while also having its reclamation projects produce, as the Chiefs pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 26-13 victory over the New Orleans Saints at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes had his highest passing total of the season, completing 28-of-39 passes for 331 yards. He was helped by receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster — a preseason cut by the New England Patriots — who had seven catches for 130 yards, including a critical 50-yard catch in the fourth quarter.

Running back Kareem Hunt, a late pickup after not getting re-signed by the Cleveland Browns was a workhorse with 27 carries for 102 yards with a score, solidifying a Chiefs backfield that hasn’t had much stability following Isiah Pacheco’s injury.

The result was statistical dominance for the Chiefs. Kansas City averaged 5.8 yards per play to New Orleans’ 4.3, which better indicated the gap between the two teams than the final score.

At half, the Chiefs led 16-7 even after some stalls in the red zone.

Kansas City scored on four of its five first-half possessions, which included a first drive that went 78 yards for a touchdown. Hunt finished that with a 5-yard TD run, his first score in a Chiefs uniform since Nov. 19, 2018.

Tight end Travis Kelce had the best highlight of the first half to help the Chiefs get out of a second-and-34 pickle. On third-and-21, Kelce caught a pass over the middle then flung an underhand lateral to running back Samaje Perine, as the two combined to advance 20 yards downfield.

Hunt picked up two yards on fourth-and-1, completing the improbable turn of events that eventually led to a Chiefs field goal.

Statistically, Mahomes had one of his best halves of the season, though he was constantly on the move evading pressure. He completed 19-of-27 passes in the first half for 216 yards while mostly attempting short throws.

The Chiefs showed off impressive run defense early, too. New Orleans running back Alvin Kamara had just six carries for 18 yards in the first half, with the Saints battling numerous offensive-line injuries.

Saints quarterback Derek Carr got the Chiefs on one deep throw, hitting receiver Rashid Shaheed for a 44-yard score midway through the second quarter.

Kelce had a big night, catching nine passes for 70 yards.

The Chiefs will have their bye week before traveling to face the San Francisco 49ers at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 20.