Saints Should Follow Steelers’ Blueprint to Beat Kansas City

Build an Early Lead

Oct 16, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Coby Fleener (82) celebrates after a touchdown catch during the first quarter of a game against the Carolina Panthers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Last week against the Panthers, the Saints rushed out to a quick 21-0 lead.

This would prove to be just enough of a cushion as the Saints managed to stifle a furious comeback attempt by Carolina. The Saints need to get off to a fast start once again in Kansas City.

The Steelers dominated the first half in Pittsburgh 2 weeks ago against the Chiefs, racing out to a 22-0 lead.

By halftime, the lead had increased to 29-0 and by the time all was said and done, the Steelers would ultimately lead 36-0.

They managed to accomplish this by forcing key turnovers in the first half, and capitalizing on offensive opportunities.

Oct 2, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end David Johnson (82) runs the ball past Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin March-Lillard (59) during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Now the Saints’ chances of getting a 29-0 lead at halftime against the Chiefs AT Arrowhead, are practically zero (although that would be a lovely surprise).

However, they can get off to a fast start.

Against the Panthers, the Saints took the opening kickoff downfield for a touchdown. They followed this up by getting a stop on defense and forcing Carolina to punt.

Starting fast will be crucial for New Orleans on the road. It will give them time to settle into the flow of the game on the defensive side, without feeling the pressure of falling behind.

Similarly, it will also help keep the raucous Kansas City fans out of the game if the Saints are front-runners.

That is just the first part of the blueprint. And here is the next one……