Patrick Mahomes throws for 331 yards, Derek Carr hurt as Chiefs shut down Saints for 26-13 victory
Patrick Mahomes throws for 331 yards, Derek Carr hurt as Chiefs shut down Saints for 26-13 victory
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Patrick Mahomes threw for over 300 yards, Travis Kelce hauled in numerous catches, and Kareem Hunt powered into the end zone, setting off red fireworks over Arrowhead Stadium on Monday night. It felt like a throwback to six years ago when this trio last played a home game together for the Chiefs.
With injuries impacting their offense, the Chiefs relied heavily on their veteran stars and the return of Hunt to defeat the Saints 26-13. Mahomes passed for 331 yards, Kelce led with nine catches for 70 yards, and Hunt rushed 27 times for 102 yards and a touchdown.
“It felt amazing to get back in the end zone. I missed that feeling,” said Hunt, who rejoined the Chiefs after starter Isiah Pacheco was injured. “That’s why I threw up a heart—to show love to Kansas City.”
Arrowhead Stadium was full of excitement, especially as the Royals were also victorious in Game 2 of their AL Division Series against the Yankees. Fans cheered “Let’s go Royals!” throughout the Chiefs’ game, and when the Royals secured a 4-2 win, the crowd erupted.
“There was a bit of a lull toward the end, and I thought, ‘They’re not showing the score. Maybe the Yankees came back,’” said Mahomes, a Royals part-owner. “But they won, and it was really exciting.”
The Chiefs' defense limited Saints quarterback Derek Carr to 185 passing yards, two touchdowns, and an interception before he left with an oblique injury. Carr was injured after being hit by Chiefs defensive back Chamarri Conner on a fourth-down play.
“I couldn’t do what I needed to do,” Carr said. He plans to undergo an MRI on Tuesday.
Alvin Kamara was the latest running back to struggle against the Chiefs’ stout defense, rushing for just 26 yards on 11 carries. The Chiefs' defense has also stifled top backs like Derrick Henry, Zack Moss, Bijan Robinson, and J.K. Dobbins in previous games.
“We got outplayed,” said Saints coach Dennis Allen. “We couldn’t get much going on either side of the ball.”
The first half had its share of highlights, including Hunt’s touchdown, a 43-yard scoring pass from Carr to Rashid Shaheed, and a lateral play by Kelce that helped set up a Chiefs field goal. Kansas City led 16-7 at halftime, but their struggles in the red zone kept the Saints within reach.
In the third quarter, Smith-Schuster had a pass deflect off his hands, leading to an interception by former Chiefs defensive tackle Khalen Saunders. The Saints capitalized with a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 16-13.
However, the Chiefs responded quickly, with Smith-Schuster catching a 50-yard pass and Xavier Worthy scoring a rushing touchdown to extend their lead. A late field goal sealed the game for Kansas City.
“It’s pretty cool to get the band back together,” said Smith-Schuster, who returned to the Chiefs after a stint in New England. “There’s no place like this. What we have is special.”
Taylor Swift also made a return appearance at Arrowhead Stadium to support Kelce after missing the Chiefs’ previous two road games. She will resume her Eras Tour on Friday in Miami.
Injuries:
- Saints: CB Will Harris left with a hamstring injury, and C Lucas Patrick briefly exited with a collarbone issue.
- Chiefs: LT Wanya Morris left with a leg injury in the first half but later returned.
Next up:
- New Orleans will host Tampa Bay on Sunday.
- Kansas City has a bye before visiting San Francisco on October 20.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Patrick Mahomes threw for over 300 yards, Travis Kelce hauled in numerous catches, and Kareem Hunt powered into the end zone, setting off red fireworks over Arrowhead Stadium on Monday night. It felt like a throwback to six years ago when this trio last played a home game together for the Chiefs.
With injuries impacting their offense, the Chiefs relied heavily on their veteran stars and the return of Hunt to defeat the Saints 26-13. Mahomes passed for 331 yards, Kelce led with nine catches for 70 yards, and Hunt rushed 27 times for 102 yards and a touchdown.
“It felt amazing to get back in the end zone. I missed that feeling,” said Hunt, who rejoined the Chiefs after starter Isiah Pacheco was injured. “That’s why I threw up a heart—to show love to Kansas City.”
Arrowhead Stadium was full of excitement, especially as the Royals were also victorious in Game 2 of their AL Division Series against the Yankees. Fans cheered “Let’s go Royals!” throughout the Chiefs’ game, and when the Royals secured a 4-2 win, the crowd erupted.
“There was a bit of a lull toward the end, and I thought, ‘They’re not showing the score. Maybe the Yankees came back,’” said Mahomes, a Royals part-owner. “But they won, and it was really exciting.”
The Chiefs' defense limited Saints quarterback Derek Carr to 185 passing yards, two touchdowns, and an interception before he left with an oblique injury. Carr was injured after being hit by Chiefs defensive back Chamarri Conner on a fourth-down play.
“I couldn’t do what I needed to do,” Carr said. He plans to undergo an MRI on Tuesday.
Alvin Kamara was the latest running back to struggle against the Chiefs’ stout defense, rushing for just 26 yards on 11 carries. The Chiefs' defense has also stifled top backs like Derrick Henry, Zack Moss, Bijan Robinson, and J.K. Dobbins in previous games.
“We got outplayed,” said Saints coach Dennis Allen. “We couldn’t get much going on either side of the ball.”
The first half had its share of highlights, including Hunt’s touchdown, a 43-yard scoring pass from Carr to Rashid Shaheed, and a lateral play by Kelce that helped set up a Chiefs field goal. Kansas City led 16-7 at halftime, but their struggles in the red zone kept the Saints within reach.
In the third quarter, Smith-Schuster had a pass deflect off his hands, leading to an interception by former Chiefs defensive tackle Khalen Saunders. The Saints capitalized with a touchdown early in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 16-13.
However, the Chiefs responded quickly, with Smith-Schuster catching a 50-yard pass and Xavier Worthy scoring a rushing touchdown to extend their lead. A late field goal sealed the game for Kansas City.
“It’s pretty cool to get the band back together,” said Smith-Schuster, who returned to the Chiefs after a stint in New England. “There’s no place like this. What we have is special.”
Taylor Swift also made a return appearance at Arrowhead Stadium to support Kelce after missing the Chiefs’ previous two road games. She will resume her Eras Tour on Friday in Miami.
Injuries:
- Saints: CB Will Harris left with a hamstring injury, and C Lucas Patrick briefly exited with a collarbone issue.
- Chiefs: LT Wanya Morris left with a leg injury in the first half but later returned.
Next up:
- New Orleans will host Tampa Bay on Sunday.
- Kansas City has a bye before visiting San Francisco on October 20.
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