Kansas City Chiefs Rally Behind Role Players in Victory Over the Saints
In a crucial win against the New Orleans Saints, the Kansas City Chiefs rose to the occasion despite the unfortunate injury to star receiver Rashee Rice. The team showcased a strong offensive performance fueled by a collection of unlikely heroes, each stepping up to fill the gap left by Rice's absence. With key contributions from various players, the Chiefs demonstrated their depth and resilience, ultimately securing a solid victory.
### Kansas City Chiefs Find Offensive Spark in Win Over Saints Despite Rice Injury
As the Kansas City Chiefs prepared for their nationally-televised Week 5 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, they faced a tough blow with the news that star receiver Rashee Rice would be out for the remainder of the season. Following a strong 17-point performance the previous week, questions loomed over how the offense would adapt without its top target. However, the Chiefs unearthed some unexpected offensive firepower, led by veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster, as they racked up 460 total yards in the game.
While the offense is still seeking the consistency one hopes to see at this point in the season, they managed to control nearly 40 minutes of possession and made seven trips to the red zone. Unfortunately, their red zone execution was lacking, with only 2 successful conversions out of 7 attempts.
Fortunately for head coach Andy Reid and his staff, Smith-Schuster and Travis Kelce combined for over 200 yards, while supporting players like Mecole Hardman, Xavier Worthy, Noah Gray, Samaje Perine, and Kareem Hunt contributed an additional 126 receiving yards. If this level of support continues, Kansas City could have enough offensive power to pursue another championship run.
With Rice sidelined, Kelce stepped back into the spotlight as the primary focus of the passing game. It's anticipated that Xavier Worthy will eventually earn quarterback Patrick Mahomes' trust; his consistent ability to get open downfield suggests that once they sync up, the Chiefs could add a new dimension to their offense. Smith-Schuster also shone with his best performance since the 2020 season. If he can effectively replicate Rice’s role, it could open up opportunities for others. The combination of Kelce, Smith-Schuster, and Worthy may be sufficient if the team doesn’t bolster its receiver corps through trades.
The Chiefs’ backfield has recently emerged as a strength, particularly with Kareem Hunt’s return. In his two games back in Kansas City, Hunt has amassed 171 rushing yards on 41 carries, averaging 4.17 yards per carry. Their success on early downs has led to more favorable third-down situations, allowing Reid to keep the offense diverse. His playcalling during the game was arguably his best of the 2024 season, effectively exploiting gaps in the Saints' defense.
However, it's still too early to draw definitive conclusions about the roles of these offensive players. A Week 7 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers will provide a clearer assessment. As the team approaches the bye week, it’s likely they’ll be exploring trade options, but finding a willing partner to acquire additional receiver help can be tricky. With the NFL trade deadline approaching, potential targets like Darius Slayton (New York Giants), Amari Cooper (Cleveland Browns), and division rival Davante Adams (Las Vegas Raiders) could fit into the Chiefs’ offensive scheme.
Completing a trade is always a complex process, and if the Chiefs cannot secure a deal, they’ll need to rely on their internal options. Questions remain about Smith-Schuster's ability to maintain his health as a high-volume target, whether Reid will utilize more 13 personnel to capitalize on the intermediate field with Kelce and Gray, and if Worthy and Hardman can deliver consistent gadget plays.
As the Chiefs head into their Week 6 bye, their perfect 5-0 start allows them some patience as they navigate these challenges. The next two games will be crucial in determining how the offense adapts and evolves moving forward.