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

By Justin Dunbar

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 20: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints stretches before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 20, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - DECEMBER 20: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints stretches before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 20, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

Bad: Lack of Athleticism

The Saints are a very powerful team that can outmuscle you. Unfortunately, this comes a cost- they aren’t a very athletic team.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, are extremely athletic, and this was apparent. Patrick Mahomes ran for 37 yards and 5.3 yards per attempt, and did most of his damage in this game on the move. This comes one week after New Orleans was exposed by an athletic Eagles offense, with Jalen Hurts, Miles Sanders, and Jalen Reagor all contributing to an explosive performance.

Over the past two weeks, the Saints have allowed the fourth-most explosive runs, according to Sharp Football Stats. This may seem like nit-picking, but it is clear that they have an issue against teams that can stretch them out horizontal, particularly if they have a mobile quarterback. This was a problem last year against the 49ers, and it could hurt them again.

The Vikings run a lot of horizontal concepts with an outside-zone rushing scheme, while the Panthers do the same. Meanwhile, a horizontal passing attack is the principle of the offenses of the Packers and Rams.

Looking further down, the Saints’ most likely playoff opponent, the Cardinals, have an electric quarterback in Kyler Murray. Right now, I wouldn’t feel comfortable at all facing him.

New Orleans has built their team on veteran signings, and against younger teams, it may come at a cost. This doesn’t affect them against the Falcons, per se, but upcoming matchups aren’t favorable for them.

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