The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly from the Saints’ strange loss to Kansas City

Good and Bad: Injuries

It is safe to say the Saints are dealing with their fair share of injuries right now.

Brees is nowhere near 100 percent, while star receiver Michael Thomas was just placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury. Thus, the fact that they were able to stick with the Chiefs can be seen as a positive.

At the same time, the injuries keep mounting. Receiver Tre’Quan Smith left this game due to injury, as did edge rusher Trey Hendrickson and safety Marcus Williams.

Smith’s injury, as we will touch on later, is especially problematic with Thomas out. He is able to fill in for Thomas as a chain-mover in the intermediate passing game. However, Hendrickson and Williams need to be at full strength.

As I alluded to, Hendrickson is having an unbelievable season. His 24 quarterback hits and 12.5 sacks, as confounding as those stats may be, are extremely impressive. Yet, it is the effect he has on the overall defensive strategy.

When the Saints are able to rotate their defensive line, they are more comfortable rushing four, which allows them to not sacrifice extra resources to rushing the passer; their linebackers and safeties can be utilized in pass coverage.

If he misses time, and Dennis Allen starts blitzing more, I’d be worried about their pass defense.

Williams, on the other hand, has a direct relationship with the team’s pass coverage. With a sprained ankle, he may be able to play against the Vikings on Friday, which will be key against an explosive passing attack.

His proficiency as a deep safety lets Malcolm Jenkins play more of a versatile role, but with him out, the team will likely turn to PJ Williams. This is something that surely will not ease the stress of Saints fans.