Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE
The New Orleans Saints will be hosting the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday, September 23, 2012. Both teams are 0-2 so far this season and will be looking for their first win of the season. The Chiefs will try to come in and steal a win in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome but the Saints won’t make it easy for them.
The Saints have come up short in their first two games of the season and their defense has given up 75 points. However, the offense has put up 59 points this season showing that the Saints’ offense is still their calling card. Furthermore, Drew Brees has thrown for over 300 yards in both games this season and I think he will do it again on Sunday.
The Chiefs on the other hand have only managed to put up 41 points in their two losses and have given up 75 points as well. The Chiefs lost games to Saints’ divisional rival, the Atlanta Falcons as well as the new-look Buffalo Bills.
Injury Report: Here is the injury report for both teams as of today, September 22, 2012. Courtesy of NFL.com
Saints
CB Johnny Patrick: Thigh, Full Participation in Practice, Probable
S Roman Harper: Wrist, Full Participation in Practice, Probable
QB Drew Brees: Ankle, Full Participation in Practice, Probable
DE Turk McBride: Ankle, Did Not Participate In Practice, Out
LB Jonathan Casillas: Knee, Limited Participation in Practice, Questionable
WR Marques Colston: Foot, Limited Participation in Practice, Questionable
WR Devery Henderson: Concussion, Full Participation in Practice, Probable
Chiefs
WR Steve Breaston: Wrist, Limited Participation in Practice, Probable
CB Javier Arenas: Neck, Full Participation in Practice, Probable
WR Devon Wylie: Hamstring, Limited Participation in Practice, Out
TE Kevin Boss: Head, Did Not Participate In Practice, Out
S Kendrick Lewis: Shoulder, Limited Participation in Practice, Questionable
RB Jamaal Charles: Knee, Full Participation in Practice, Probable
TE Jake O’Connell: Knee, Limited Participation in Practice, Questionable
G Ryan Lilja: Back, Limited Participation in Practice, Questionable
CB Jacques Reeves: Hamstring, Did Not Participate In Practice, Out
WR Dexter McCluster: Shoulder, Limited Participation in Practice, Questionable
DT Anthony Toribio: Ankle, Limited Participation in Practice, Questionable
CB Jalil Brown: Groin, Full Participation in Practice, Probable
DE Allen Bailey: Ankle, Full Participation in Practice, Probable
Saints X-Factor: This week the Saints x factor will be wide receiver Marques Colston. Colston has been battling a foot injury all season long but has played in the first two games. I think Colston could have a breakout game this week and could really help the Saints on the offensive side of the ball. Colston has been known to play through injuries and I think this week his foot injury will not slow him down. Colston is one of the best receivers in the NFL and Drew Brees will need him on top of his game to help the Saints secure their first victory of the season.
Chiefs X-Factor: For this week the Chiefs x factor will be quarterback Matt Cassel. For the season Cassel has passed for 559 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. Cassel has only managed a 78.7 quarterback rating this season and Cassel will need to get the offense going if the Chiefs hope to win. Cassel needs to put points on the board for the Chiefs because they are squaring off against a high octane offense. Cassel needs to establish balance between the passing game and the running game and with a balanced offensive attack the Chiefs might have a chance.
How the Saints can win this game: The Saints will win this game if their offense keeps doing what it is doing. The Chiefs are one of the worst defensive teams in the NFL and have given up an average of 235 passing yards. Brees should have no problem amassing 300 passing yards against the Chiefs secondary. In fact, the Chiefs’ secondary might be worse than the Saints’ secondary. Furthermore, Brees should look to get the running game involved and come at the Chiefs with a balanced attack. It also would be nice if the Saints secondary gave them something this week and got a few stops. I think if the Saints can put points on the board and get some stops on the defensive end they should be able to secure their first win of the season.
How the Chiefs can win this game: The Chiefs will win this game if Cassel can come out and command the offense effectively. Cassel will need to connect with wide receiver Dwayne Bowe on a number of occasions for the Chiefs to have a chance. Cassel will need to limit his turnovers and has to get Jamaal Charles and the running game going. Much like Brees Cassel should look to take advantage of the Saints’ thin secondary. The Chiefs game plan is much similar to the Saints and the Chiefs defense will have to give them something to try and slow down Brees and the offense. If the Chiefs can put up more points than the Saints and force some turnovers they will win this game.
Final Prediction: This game will be a big game for the Saints as it could determine the outcome of their season. This is a game the Saints are supposed to win and I think they will win this game plain and simple. The Saints are hungry for their first win of the season and they will be playing in front of the Who Dat nation and I do not think they will disappoint this time around. Brees and the offense will carve through the Chiefs’ defense and should win this game convincingly. I predict the Saints will win in a blowout fashion with a final score of 40-21.
Alejandro Aviles is the Featured Writer for the New Orleans Saints at Rant Sports @aaviles312
