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The Chiefs offense passes Saints in MNF as KC moves to 5-0
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The Chiefs offense passes Saints in MNF as KC moves to 5-0

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Kansas City Chiefs edged past the New Orleans Saints in a 26-13 win on “Monday Night Football.”

Kansas City entered the game with questions at wide receiver, but WR JuJu Smith-Schuster had his best game of the season, finishing with seven receptions for 130 yards. Meanwhile, the Saints struggled to score and quarterback Derek Carr left the game in the fourth quarter with an oblique injury.

Here are the keys to know from the game:

The Chiefs finally won a game by a comfortable margin. After winning their last seven games dating back to last season’s playoffs by a one-score margin, Kansas City didn’t have to push until the end to beat the Saints on Monday night at Arrowhead Stadium.

Instead, the team claimed a 26–13 victory, bringing its record to 5–0. They are now on a winning streak of at least five games in each of Andy Reid’s 12 seasons as head coach.

Silver lining: The Chiefs wouldn’t have signed Kareem Hunt if Isiah Pacheco hadn’t broken his leg. But Hunt is now helping the Chiefs stay afloat in Pacheco’s absence and is playing well enough that he deserves significant playing time when Pacheco returns. Having both players available would give the Chiefs some nice depth. Hunt finished with 102 yards and one touchdown on 27 carries.

Describe the game in two words: Seeing red. The Chiefs were 2 of 6 scoring touchdowns at the New Orleans 20. Kansas City lost a touchdown in the red zone when Smith-Schuster deflected a pass at the goal line that set up a New Orleans interception.

Most surprising achievement: Smith-Schuster had just two catches in the Chiefs’ first four games, but he had five against the Saints. Smith-Schuster filled the role that Rashee Rice played before his injury. He gained many of his yards by running well after the catch (82 YAC). But he also deflected a pass at the goal line that set up an interception. — Adam Teicher

Next game: bee San Francisco 49ers (4:25 PM ET, October 20)

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Joe Buck talks about Khalen Saunders’ Taylor Swift connection right before the wild INT

Joe Buck had just referenced Khalen Saunders’ brother’s connection to Taylor Swift as the big man picked off Patrick Mahomes in the end zone.

Carr threw a deep pass to wide receiver Mason Tipton on fourth down and slowly got up after it fell incomplete. He walked off the field with his hip in his hand, was evaluated in the injury tent and went to the locker room at the end of the fourth quarter with an oblique injury, capping a night for the Saints that went from bad to worse.

The Saints fell to the Chiefs after entering Monday night with a long injury list. They had to play a perfect game to match the Chiefs offense. Instead, New Orleans fell behind early after Carr threw an ugly interception six plays into the game, setting the Chiefs up for their first touchdown.

Although the Saints had some big moments, such as a 43-yard touchdown pass from Carr to wideout Rashid Shaheed, they couldn’t muster the offensive output of the first two weeks and lost their third straight game.

Crucial game: The big man’s choice. Saints defensive tackle Khalen Saunders had a number of friends and family in attendance to watch him play against his former team, including his brother Kameron, who is a backup dancer for Taylor Swift. The moves clearly run in the family, as Saunders caught a one-handed interception in the end zone and ran it back 37 yards in the third quarter.

Troubling trend: Penalties from cornerback Paulson Adebo. Adebo had a late-game pass interference penalty against the Falcons last week that led to a game-winning field goal. He had another troubling late PI flag against the Chiefs that nearly led to a touchdown late in the third quarter. Adebo’s seven penalties rank fourth in the league.

Biggest hole in the game plan: The Saints couldn’t run the ball efficiently behind an injury-hampered offensive line. The Saints offense has worked best this season when they can run the ball at will. They were unable to do that with any consistency against the Chiefs, instead relying heavily on low-percentage deep passes to try to move the ball. Carr attempted nine passes tonight with over fifteen air yards. He is 2-of-9 for 64 yards with an interception and a touchdown on those plays.

QB breakdown: Carr was up and down until he left with his injury, finishing 18 of 28 for 165 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Jake Haener entered the game in his absence for his first real snaps this season, finishing 2 of 7 for 17 yards — Katherine Terrell

Next game: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1:00 PM ET, Sunday)