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 wide receiver Rashee Rice?
That night, KC was successful by utilizing plenty of tight ends while making its rehab plans come to fruition, as the Chiefs pulled away in the fourth quarter to a 26-13 victory at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Staidum.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes had his highest passing total of the season, completing 28 of 39 passes for 331 yards. He was aided 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.
Oh, and running back Kareem Hunt, a late opt-out after not being re-signed by the Cleveland Browns? He was a workhorse with 27 carries for 102 yards with one score, solidify a Chiefs backfield who hasn’t had much stability following Isiah Pacheco’s injury.
The result was statistical domination by the Chiefs. KC averaged 5.8 yards per game to New Orleans’ 4.3, which was a better indicator of the gap between the two teams than the final score.
At halftime, the Chiefs led 16-7 even after a few red zone stalls.
KC scored on four of its five possessions in the first half, including a 78-yard opening drive for a touchdown. Hunt finished with a 5-yard TD run, his first score in a Chiefs uniform since November 19, 2018.
Tight end Travis Kelce had the best highlight of the first half to help the Chiefs out of a second-and-34 pickle. On third-and-21, Kelce caught a pass over the middle then threw a sneaky lateral to running back Samaje Perine, as the two combined to advance it 20 yards downfield.
Hunt picked up two yards on fourth-and-1, completing the improbable turn of events that ultimately led to a Chiefs field goal.
Statistically, Mahomes had one of his better halves of the season, even though he was constantly on the move to escape pressure. He completed 19 of 27 passes in the first half for 216 yards while mostly attempting short throws.
The Chiefs also showed impressive run defense early on. New Orleans running back Alvin Kamara had just six carries for 18 yards in the first half as the Saints struggled with numerous injuries on the offensive line.
Saints quarterback Derek Carr hauled in a deep Chiefs 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 3:25 p.m. Central Time on Sunday, October 20.
