By Saints standards, it was a pretty good defensive day.
But this week, they were playing a team that could play a little defense of their own.
The Chiefs held on for a 27-21 win over the Saints to improve to 4-2, and they had to work to do it.
The Saints (2-4) entered the game allowing a league-high (and record pace) 33.6 points per game. They stiffened a bit, but still made mistakes at inopportune times. A Nick Fairley unnecessary roughness penalty just before the two-minute warning gave the Chiefs an extra few downs to waste time.
Kansas City was able to do it while not getting much from running back Jamaal Charles, who had just one carry as they ease him back from last year’s knee injury.
Alex Smith threw for two touchdowns, and an interception return for a touchdown by safety Daniel Sorensen gave them the cushion they needed.
Drew Brees threw three touchdown passes and had a chance with 28 seconds and no timeouts left, but ran out of time when Michael Thomas went down in bounds, eliminating a chance at a Hail Mary.