Saints Fall to Chiefs: Key Takeaways and the Road Ahead
The New Orleans Saints fell 26-13 to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night. This marks their third loss of the season and third loss in a row. While flashes of potential surfaced, several takeaways highlight concerns that need addressing if the Saints hope to rebound. From quarterback play to defensive inconsistencies, here’s what stood out and what’s next for New Orleans.
Takeaway #1: Is It Time for Spencer Rattler to Start?
Derek Carr’s struggles continued against the Chiefs, completing 18 of 28 passes for 165 yards, two touchdowns, and a costly interception. Additionally, he left the game briefly due to injury, raising questions about his durability. With Carr’s inconsistent performances and the Saints sitting at 2-3, head coach Dennis Allen may consider giving rookie Spencer Rattler a shot. Rattler has shown promise in preseason action and could offer a spark to a stagnant offense.
Takeaway #2: Offensive Line Must Step Up
Protection for Carr has been an issue, and it showed once again Monday night. Kansas City’s pass rush constantly pressured Carr, leading to rushed throws and mistakes. The offensive line needs to improve its blocking schemes, especially in pass protection. Better protection will not only give Carr or Rattler more time to make plays but will also aid in establishing a stronger run game, which the Saints have struggled with this season.
Takeaway #3: Red Zone Efficiency Lacking
One of the most glaring issues for the Saints has been their red zone performance. Despite moving the ball fairly well in the middle of the field, New Orleans failed to capitalize in critical moments inside the 20-yard line. Against Kansas City, they settled for field goals rather than touchdowns on multiple drives. Improving red zone efficiency will be crucial moving forward, as missed opportunities continue to cost the team valuable points.
Takeaway #4: Defensive Breakdowns in Key Situations
The Saints' defense has been inconsistent in critical moments, as seen Monday night. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs exploited gaps in New Orleans' secondary, and the defense allowed multiple fourth-down conversions. While the Saints were able to pressure Mahomes at times, including a sack, they failed to deliver when it mattered most. With a challenging schedule ahead, the defense must tighten up on third and fourth downs, particularly in the red zone.
What's Next?
Next up, the Saints host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Caesars Superdome on Sunday, Oct. 13th. This is a critical NFC South matchup that could have major implications for the division standings. With a 2-3 record, a win at home against a divisional opponent is essential to keeping pace in the NFC South. Divisional games carry extra weight, and securing a victory would give the Saints much-needed momentum as they fight for playoff contention.
