Chiefs at Saints: Keys to the Game

This game is an essential one for both teams. I put more pressure on the Saints here, who have been expected to be much better than they've been playing and have a tougher stretch down the schedule. Not to mention, Saints' fans haven't been used to losing since 2005. This almost a "must-win" situation. Here are my keys to the game. I believe if the Saints can get things going in these areas, there shouldn't be a problem:

Offense:
The Saints need to dominate the time of possession. I have no worries about the Saints in the 1 quarter, as they normally come firing out on all cylinders. Its the 2nd and 3rd quarter that could lead to the downfall of this team. They need to use as much time as they can to give their defense a break. I've noticed that when the defense comes on after a three-and-out, especially if they just came off a long drive, they simply fall apart and start making brutal mistakes. 3rd down efficiency is critical here. Its nice to score quickly, but it we're up by a bit, it may be better to take the Matt Ryan approach and just matriculate down the field. I put 75% of this weight on the receivers. Drew can get the ball to them, they just need to get open.

Defense:
Spags has got to make the Chiefs one-sided, and preferably the pass. Allowing the Chiefs to have balance will lead to a quick "L" in the Saints record. Spags has been outsmarted both games so far, so the best way to establish an efficient strategy is to take out an element: Either the run or the pass. We know the Chiefs are going to try and run between Jamaal Charles (if he decides to show up) and Peyton Hillis. This team hasn't been a relevant run offense just yet, but they are going to try desperately to establish some balance. Who better to do that on than a defense that's ranked dead last in the run? Spags has got to get it together and shut down the run and let the playmakers in the secondary do something. Greer has been solid so far and I think Patrick Robinson is coming along. Johnny Patrick should be back so Saints fans should rejoice that they won't be seeing much of Corey White. The real question is the D-Line. They HAVE to get better in almost every area.

X-Factor:
This is gonna be a fun one, but I think its Malcolm Jenkins. Since the D-Line is struggling, its going to be up to the linebackers and safeties to make some of these plays. Curtis Lofton is the only LB I don't have doubts about, but he can't do it all. Expect to see Jenkins in the box quite a bit to stop the running attack. Furthermore, he's also going to be playing coverage on Moeaki (did I spell that right? too lazy to check) early and often. That is not an easy feat. Finally, if the Saints can stop the run, expect to see Jenkins playing some deep, center-field coverage. This is where apprenticing under Darren Sharper can help you out a lot. I still believe Jenkins is a playmaker, but he has to play strong and play smart. Rack up some tackles for loss, some pass breakups or even an INT and Jenkins could help wrap this game up.

My colleague @Hispandrix calls this a "must-win" situation for the Saints and I almost completely agree with him. (Check out his blog below). With as much drama as the Saints have had this offseason, they can ill afford to fall behind and lose all their morale. Gotta take it one week at a time, one game at a time, one quarter at a time, one play at a time. It's time to stop thinking about the Superbowl and just playing for the "W."

I've still got the Saints in this game. A close one: 31-28.

Want some other insightful opinions? Check out my colleagues below.

Hispandrix: Keys to the Game

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@The_JurisDoctor