Saints Leave Arrowhead with Big Win

Regardless of the Chiefs’ record, anytime you can go into Arrowhead Stadium and walk away with a win it is no small feat. The Saints had yet to pull off a road victory this season and finally got one against the improving Kansas City Chiefs. The game was close throughout until kicker Garrett Hartley hit a 35 yard field goal with 3:25 left to put the Saints ahead by 10 points.

For the most part both teams played well on defense but it was a critical mistake by Chiefs’ cornerback Ricardo Colclough that became the turning point in the game. Colclough was supposed to stay back on the play but instead was too aggressive and allowed Lance Moore to score on a 47 yard catch and run. Lance Moore led the Saints with 8 catches for 102 yards and a touchdown. Moore has come out of nowhere this season to become the Saints go-to receiver.

With Reggie Bush out for another week and Aaron Stecker getting injured early in the game it was up to Deuce McAllister and Pierre Thomas to carry the load on offense. Pierre Thomas did an admirable job leading the team with 16 carries for 88 yards and a touchdown. Thomas is productive every time he gets an increased workload and should be in line to get increased carries down the stretch, even with the return of Reggie Bush. Earlier in the year I talked about how Reggie Bush could not continue getting the amount of touches that he was and sure enough it caught up with him. The Saints will have to learn that Reggie Bush is not a back that can receive 25 touches a game and hold up for an entire season.

The Saints were a banged up bunch on defense but did a good job at stopping the fresh Larry Johnson. Johnson rushed for only 67 yards and looked ordinary for most of the afternoon. The defense did have trouble stopping receiver Dwayne Bowe in the red zone but few teams have been able to stop the emerging star this season. The Saints will have to do a better job though if they are to beat the teams in the NFC South and have a chance at getting into the playoffs. A victory at Arrowhead stadium is a good start and hopefully the Saints can put together a nice run to close out the year.

Like this post? Share it »

Last post (s) by Jeff Lalonde

• Saints Week 14 Recap, and Week 15 Preview - December 10th, 2008
• Saints vs Falcons - Preview - December 6th, 2008
• Playoff Hopes Dwindle as Saints Lose to Bucs - December 1st, 2008
• Saints vs Bucs - Round Two - November 29th, 2008
• Saints Put up a 50 Burger in Win Over Packers - November 25th, 2008