Sep 22, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Tevan Washington (7) runs off the field after a win against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. This game gave fans and analysts alike a lot of perspective on both sides for which teams were strong, where they had weaknesses, and what opportunities each side should try to improve upon. What did we take from this entertaining encounter?
The dominance of Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes solidified his status as arguably the best quarterback in the NFL. Delivering had a masterclass that threw for more the 350 yards and four touchdowns. Mahomes looked like typical Mahomes with his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions while also showing off his legs, as he escaped pressure and extended plays.
He already has chemistry with top wideout Tyreek Hill, as the two teamed up for several deep shots. The speed of Hill, combined with his ability to run routes kept a suddenly vulnerable secondary on its heels which opened up the passing lanes for Mahomes. Mahomes now adds this performance to his highlight reel and will continue to strengthen his case for MVP as the season unfolds.
Offensive Line -In The Trenches This Week- Chiefs Shine
The Chiefs’ offensive line stole the show again, and that is one of my biggest takeaways from this game. They gave Mahomes plenty of time to look over the middle of the field and find a wide-open receiver after some early struggles on the season. The Chiefs followed along the praise of Reid’s early success (which anyone could have done), albeit with their downs, only rhythm Weekly-sizzling deteriorating because held that pass-rushing front for the Saints in check.
Isiah Pacheco also had his share of running lanes and was able to establish the run game quite effectively. The balanced attack kept the Saints’ defense off balance and opened up more deep-passing plays.
The Saints were an inconsistent team in 2014, the same as before last year.
The same for the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV (how they showcase their offense) and the Saints (Who showed flashes of this performance all year). Derek Carr threw for more than 300 yards, but turnovers were his downfall. His interceptions killed Saints drives and put the ball back in the Chiefs’ hands, helping Kansas City take control of this game.
But even in disappointment, it was hard not to be a little excited for the likes of Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave what their legs can do. Kamara’s versatility as both a runner and receiver made it impossible for the Chiefs’ defense to know what was coming on any given play. But the Saints’ inability to take advantage of opportunities served to thwart their comeback bid.
Saints defensive deficiencies
New Orleans, usually a well-regarded defense around the league, had it rough against Kansas City’s high-powered attack. They both came up with some key plays but neither was consistently sharp. He made them pay for missed tackles and blown coverages, hitting his receivers with clutch plays throughout the night.
These are things Head Coach Dennis Allen will have to correct in practice this week defensively. Tightening up in coverage and communicating better are responsibilities of the Saints secondary to avoid such breakdowns moving forward. They need to do that because they have to compete with the explosive offenses of the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, and likely improved Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Game-Changing Special Teams Play
Special teams another big takeaway from the game was how well the special teams played. Kansas City‘s special teams were fantastic, especially in their returns. Both Mitch Wishnowsky and Jake Elliott had their punts returned for TDs, by Kadarius Toney, who put his team in a great starting field position every series with his explosive returns.
On the other end, the Saints struggled to step up in this way with a missed field goal that could have swayed this game. Being the playmaker on special teams is one of those boom-or-bust tasks in the NFL, and it happened that this time NJJ conspired perfectly to turn three huge plays into six field goals.
Thoughts on the Playoff Landscape
The victory moves the Chiefs to 4–1 and strengthens their case as one of the best teams in the AFC. They are as efficient on offense, and perhaps even more stingy on defense — and that is a great recipe for the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Saints drop to 2-3 and suddenly their playoff hopes are in question. In an NFC South, which has proven to be competitive so far this year, they’ll have to become more consistent and get those issues fixed in a hurry if they want to keep up with their divisional opponents.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Up next, for the second straight week in a row, the Chiefs have their work cut out for them against the Buffalo Bills…In what may well be defined as a playoff-level matchup. Houston will need to stand pat with their level of play if they want a good seed in the postseason.
The Saints have a must-win clash against the Atlanta Falconsnext. This is a must-win for New Orleans if they want to continue to ride the momentum and make themselves known as one of the division’s top dogs. The coaching staff has to adapt and find a way to get its players back on the right track this season.
Kansas City Chiefs: 4 takeaways from the win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season Mahomes to the credit of his exploits and the offensive line on down, Kansas City is rolling. In the meantime, the Saints have three problems they need to solve fast if they want their postseason hopes to remain alive.
Stay tuned here on Newspoint48 for more news and updates about the NFL season as it continues to move forward.
