5 Factors To Watch During Saints vs. Chiefs at “The Loudest Stadium on Earth”
By Bob Rose
Sep 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) reacts while scoring a touchdown during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
#3. No “Running Wild”
The last time these two teams played (a 27-24 Chiefs victory in Week #3 of the 2012 season), Jamaal Charles and the other Kansas City running backs tore the Saints defense to shreds.
Most of those faces have changed on the New Orleans defense since that day, but the Saints have still had difficulty with opposing running backs — both running and out of the backfield in the passing game as well.
The defensive line MUST hold up at the point of attack, allowing their linebackers — Craig Robertson and Nate Stupar in particular — to contain the K.C. running backs and tight ends (something New Orleans has also struggled with).
Quarterback Alex Smith loves to throw to his tight ends, so success here will be a HUGE determining factor in whether the Saints come away with an “upset” victory as a 7-point underdogs.
Travis Kelce is an All-Pro tight end who much like Rob Gronkowski in New England, is actually the “go-to guy” in this Kansas City offense. How the Saints ultimately fare in limiting Kelce’s production, will ultimately play a determining factor in whether they win or lose this game today.