Tag: Tyrann Mathieu

Key stats to watch in Saints Week 6 game vs. Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield has played very well this year, but the Saints pass defense excels in two key areas that could slow him down:

There are two pivotal stats to watch in the New Orleans Saints versus Tampa Bay Buccaneers game, and they both boil down to passing efficiency.

The Saints defense’s greatest attribute through five games is their ability to take away the football. They are especially skilled at intercepting the quarterback. Tyrann Mathieu and Paulson Adebo lead the team with two picks each. The team’s 7 interceptions are third-most in the NFL, and they’ve yet to go a game without at least one takeaway through the air.

Baker Mayfield, on the other hand, protects the football very well. His 2 interceptions are tied for the fifth-fewest among all quarterbacks who have thrown 100 passes this season. It’s not like he’s barely throwing the football either. Mayfield averages a little more than 30 attempts per game.

In addition to protecting the football, Mayfield is one of just three quarterbacks with double -digit touchdown passes. The Saints have allowed one passing touchdown all year.

Something has to give, and it’ll be an interesting battle to watch. The Saints have effectively played bend-but-don’t-break football. If they let the Buccaneers get into the red zone, Tampa Bay will aim to throw it in the end zone. It’s vital the Saints keep them out of it.

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Injured reserve is a possibility for New Orleans Saints starting safety

Injured reserve is a possibility for Saints starting safety Will Harris. He was the team’s only defender to play 100% of snaps through the first four games:

The New Orleans Saints defense took a hit when starting safety Will Harris went down with a hamstring injury in Monday night’s game with the Kansas City Chiefs, and he missed the next two days of practice recovering from that ailment.

But he isn’t trending in the right direction. On Wednesday, head coach Dennis Allen said that Harris is a candidate for injured reserve because of this hamstring injury. Assuming it isn’t an automatic season-ending diagnosis, he would be eligible to return after four weeks — missing upcoming games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, and Carolina Panthers. That’s assuming he won’t need surgery and be out longer.

Either way, it was a big loss. Harris was the only player on the team who had been on the field for 100% of the Saints’ snaps on defense through their first four games. That’s more than Demario Davis, Tyrann Mathieu, and other big names like Chase Young, Marshon Lattimore, and Cameron Jordan. They were lucky to have already called up Johnathan Abram from the practice squad so he could fill in.

In the meantime, the Saints are left with Mathieu, Jordan Howden and J.T. Gray on the 53-man roster with Abram and Millard Bradford on the practice squad. Abram can be elevated for two more games before he’ll need to sign with the 53-man roster to keep playing, but they may just sign him now to ensure he’ll be in the lineup. Stay tuned.

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Chiefs vs. Saints Week 5: How to watch, listen and stream

Check out everything you need to know to tune into the #Chiefs’ Week 5 matchup against the #Saints on “Monday Night Football”

The Kansas City Chiefs return to Arrowhead this week to face the New Orleans Saints on “Monday Night Football.”

Rashee Rice’s injury in Week 4 remains the biggest storyline for Kansas City heading into the Chiefs’ matchup against New Orleans.

With Rice out, other members of Kansas City’s receiving corps, especially rookie wideout Xavier Worthy, will have to step up to fill the void for Patrick Mahomes in the passing game.

Despite their 2-2 record, the Saints, led by former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, look like one of the NFC’s most explosive teams. Former Chiefs defensive back Tyrann Mathieu will be patrolling New Orleans’ secondary, and Kansas City will need to be aware of his presence on passing plays.

Expect running back Kareem Hunt to see lots of action on Monday night as the Chiefs look to remain undefeated.

Below are important game details about this Week 5 matchup:

Game information:

Who: Kansas City Chiefs vs. New Orleans Saints

When: Monday, October 7, 7:15 p.m. CST

Where: Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City, Missouri

Streaming:

In-market live stream: FuboTV (free 7-day trial)

Streaming: NFL+ or ESPN+

Broadcast:

TV: ESPN, (Watch FREE with Fubo)

Radio: KFNZ-FM (96.5 The Fan)

Broadcasters:

Joe Buck (play-by-play), Troy Aikman (analyst), Lisa Salters (sideline)

Opponent wire site:

Saints Wire

2024 Schedule:

Week Date Opponent Time
1 Thursday, Sept. 5 vs. Baltimore Ravens (W) 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC
2 Sunday, Sept. 15 vs. Cincinnati Bengals (W) 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS
3 Sunday, Sept. 22 @ Atlanta Falcons (W) 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC
4 Sunday, Sept. 29 @ Los Angeles Chargers (W) 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS
5 Monday, Oct. 7 vs. New Orleans Saints 7:15 p.m CT on ESPN
6 BYE BYE BYE
7 Sunday, Oct. 20 @ San Francisco 49ers 3:25 p.m. CT on FOX
8 Sunday, Oct. 27 @ Las Vegas Raiders 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS
9 Monday, Nov. 4 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7:15 p.m. CT on ESPN
10 Sunday, Nov. 10 vs. Denver Broncos Noon CT on CBS
11 Sunday, Nov. 17 @ Buffalo Bills 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS
12 Sunday, Nov. 24 @ Carolina Panthers Noon CT on CBS
13 Friday, Nov. 29 vs Las Vegas Raiders 2 p.m. CT on Prime
14 Sunday, Dec. 8 vs. Los Angeles Chargers 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC
15 Sunday, Dec. 15 @ Cleveland Browns Noon CT on CBS
16 Saturday, Dec. 21 vs. Houston Texans Noon CT on NBC
17 Wednesday, Dec. 25 @ Pittsburgh Steelers Noon CT on Netflix
18 Sunday, Jan. 5 @ Denver Broncos TBD

 

Saints and Chiefs are on opposite sides of the turnover margin spectrum

Turnover margin is a stat to watch in Saints vs. Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes has thrown a pick every game. The Saints have forced one each game.

As the New Orleans Saints get ready to face off against the Kansas City Chiefs, one stat to pay attention to is the turnover margin.

The two teams are on opposite sides of the spectrum in this category. New Orleans is +3 and the Chiefs are -4. That puts the Saints in the top four in the league and the Chiefs in the bottom four. Opposite sides of the spectrums.

Both quarterbacks have been prone to turnovers. Patrick Mahomes has thrown at least one interception in every game. Derek Carr isn’t much better. He’s thrown an interception in every game but the debut.

Another big difference is the Saints force a lot of turnovers, which isn’t the case for the Chiefs. Only the Vikings and Packers have forced more turnovers than New Orleans.

Most importantly, the Saints have forced every quarterback they’ve faced into an interception. Key turnovers lost the Saints last week’s game. It may be cliche, but the Saints need to win the turnover battle against the Chiefs.

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Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo explains the legacy left by former All-Pro Safety

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo explains the legacy left by Tyrann Mathieu | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ defense has dramatically improved over the years, primarily due to veteran talent that changed the culture.

During Friday’s press conference, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo praised former star defensive back Tyrann Mathieu.

“Listen, I’ve got a special place in my heart for (Saints S) Tyrann (Mathieu), right? He’s a special guy. It’ll be great to see him” said Spagnuolo. “I think the last time – I think we saw him when we went down there (to New Orleans) (for the) preseason game. Yeah, that’s the last time we got the chance to give him a big hug, but (I) love Tyrann.

Mathieu signed with his hometown, New Orleans Saints, before the start of the 2023 season but made sure to leave an ongoing legacy within the Chiefs secondary.

“You know, I see it every day. It’s a little thing, but our DBs, before we – you guys aren’t out there until we get to stretch, right?” said Spagnuolo “Usually, about 10 minutes before that, all of the DBs are out on the field, and they’re doing footwork and (Defensive Backs Coach) Dave’s (Merritt) with them and (Safeties Coach) Donald’s (D’Alesio) with them, but that was really established with Tyrann all the way back (in 2019). He was pulling those guys out of the locker room 10 minutes early, so that’s a leadership thing.”

Mathieu spent three seasons in Kansas City, earning Pro Bowl selections twice, first-team All-Pro honors in 2020 and second-team honors in 2019. He made an impression on a young L’Jarius Sneed, who has then passed on traits to current lead defensive back Trent McDuffie.

“I think he laid a foundation here, especially in the secondary, of some of the things that we do quite frankly and the way (that) they operate,” said Spagnuolo. “I know those years. Looking back on when he was first here (Titans CB L’Jarius Sneed), LJ was young at the time, and I remember him learning from Tyrann. Then, Tyrann left, and LJ was teaching Trent (McDuffie), so there’s been a trickle down, and I think we owe Tyrann a lot for what he did when he was here.”

If he’s available to play on Monday, Mathieu should expect some applause and appreciation from the Arrowhead Stadium crowd.

Chiefs DT Chris Jones discusses facing former teammates: ‘It’s good to play against your peers’

Kansas City #Chiefs DT Chris Jones discusses facing former teammates: ‘It’s good to play against your peers’ | @EdEastonJr

The New Orleans Saints visit Arrowhead Stadium on Monday night. The team features multiple players who have played for the Kansas City Chiefs and contributed to Super Bowl titles.

Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones opened up to reporters on Friday about facing off against several former Chiefs on Monday night as they now play for the New Orleans Saints.

“Yeah, we’ve got what? (Saints LB) Willie Gay, TK (Saints DE Tanoh Kpassagnon), (Saints S) Tyrann (Mathieu), (Saints DT) Khalen Saunders – I talked to him (Saints DT Khalen Saunders) last night. I’m going to call him today to see if he can give me any spits about him being in the offense. (He) probably won’t, but it’s good, man (laughter).” said Jones. “It’s good to play against your peers that you once played and accomplished so much with. It’s also a challenge, though. We want to come in here and make sure we leave with a win. It’s exciting, (we are) looking forward to it, and maybe we can chat after the game.”

Jones is fond of all his former teammates but singled out Khalen Saunders for impacting his life off the field.

“You guys know that’s my guy (Saunders), that’s my guy,” said Jones. “We became very close over the time he was here. I used to go over to his house. (I) Still, call his Mama, Mama. She had a very personable relationship. That’s my guy. That’s my guy. I wish him nothing but success on his journey in this league. And I know when we play Monday, he’s (the) opponent.”

Saunders played for the Chiefs from 2019 to 2022, winning two Super Bowls alongside Jones on the defensive line.

Alontae Taylor is our choice for Saints’ Defensive Player of September

In September, Alontae Taylor set a Saints record, led the team in sacks, and had a great performance against CeeDee Lamb. He’s our Saints Defensive Player of the Month:

Alontae Taylor is the New Orleans Saints defensive player of the month. Dennis Allen praised Taylor frequently this offseason, and Taylor continues to showcase why he was worthy of the comments.

This was a tough pick between him and safety Tyrann Mathieu. The secondary was expected to be the strength of the team, so it makes sense the two leading candidates for the team come from the unit.

Between Taylor, Mathieu and contributions from Marshon Lattimore and Kool-Aid McKinstry, the secondary has lived up to the billing.

Mathieu is responsible for the most turnovers on the team. He has 2 interceptions, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. However, the nod goes to Taylor because of his surprising pass rush and improved coverage ability in the slot.

Taylor leads the Saints in sacks despite being a nickel cornerback. In Week 1, he set a team record for most sacks by a defensive back in a game. Taylor also was tasked with covering CeeDee Lamb often in Week 2. Taylor lived up to the billing.

Taylor looks more comfortable in the slot and has impacted the game in multiple ways. For that, he earns the player of the month.

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Saints starter reacts to Davante Adams trade rumors

Tyrann Mathieu reacted to the latest Davante Adams trade rumors during a live interview: ‘Nobody’s going to turn that down’

Could the New Orleans Saints trade for Davante Adams? The Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver has made it known he wants to reunite with one of his old quarterbacks — either Aaron Rodgers on the New York Jets, or Derek Carr with the Saints. And that’s very intriguing. Tyrann Mathieu discussed the latest Adams trade rumors during a recent appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show.”

While it’s not a topic Mathieu has discussed with Carr, it is something he’s seen going around on social media. He understands why Adams would want to catch passes from Carr again.

“And Davante’s a hell of a player, man,” Mathieu said. “Don’t get me wrong, I like the guys that we have, but like I said, Davante’s one of those guys. Nobody’s going to turn that down.”

Adams has a long-running relationship with Carr, and he made his sixth Pro Bowl the year the Raiders traded for him to get the pair back together. He’d bring a physicality and veteran presence the Saints haven’t really had at wide receiver since injuries piled up for Michael Thomas a couple of years ago.

Mathieu continued: “He’s a special player. Like the last ten years he’s been a top three, four receiver year in and year out. He’s highly competitive. I’ve had the chance to  really play against him a couple of times. He’s one of the best guys doing it, from just route running, and just his headiness. We talk about (Travis) Kelce being savvy, Davante has a lot of that in his game, too. And wherever he ends up he’s going to make that team better, too.”

Will the Saints be able to cut a deal? It won’t be easy, and ultimately it isn’t up to Adams. The Raiders will be able to take the best offer. Maybe it comes from New York. Maybe it comes from New Orleans. If Adams does end up with the Saints, it sure sounds like Mathieu would be one of the first in line to greet him.

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The Saints are talented, but they aren’t a good team yet

There’s talent on the Saints’ roster, but the way they’re losing games proves they aren’t a good team yet. They aren’t greater than the sum of their parts:

We were riding high after the first two weeks, but last-minute losses to the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons have proven one thing: The New Orleans Saints are not a good team. Until proven otherwise, they are a talented but average team.

Chris Olave is a good player whose route-running allows him to create separation with regularity. Alvin Kamara has gained over 100 yards from scrimmage every week this season. Rashid Shaheed is an elite deep threat.

Defensively, Demario Davis is still one of the best linebackers in the league. Tyrann Mathieu’s nose for the ball hasn’t faded. Marshon Lattimore is still lockdown on the perimeter.

Talent is not the question, but talent doesn’t make you good. The Saints aren’t completing games. Better put, they are losing games in ways a good team shouldn’t.

Jordan Howden loses all spatial awareness and ran into Lattimore, setting up the Eagles’ game-winning score. This turned what should have been a short gain into 65 yards. Paulson Adebo grabbed a Falcons receiver after getting away with a shove past five yards downfield, putting Atlanta inn scoring position.

It’s irresponsible to boil down an entire 60-minute NFL game to one play, but close games are decided by a handful of moments. The Saints have been on the wrong side of those moments at the wrong times.

That time isn’t reserved for the final two minutes. Shaheed dropped a punt he had no business trying to field early in the Falcons game. The Saints can’t be called a good team until these type of mistakes are eradicated, and that goes back to coaching.

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Tyrann Mathieu banged up vs. Falcons, now dealing with groin and heel injuries

Tyrann Mathieu was nicked up against the Falcons. He’s now dealing with a groin injury after a heel issue limited him in previous games.

Tyrann Mathieu exited Sunday’s loss to the Atlanta Falcons with a groin injury, per ESPN’s Katherine Terrell, adding to his list of ailments. The New Orleans Saints safety has already been limited in games with a heel issue, and he also dealt with a calf injury earlier this season.

But this groin injury could be the most serious of the bunch. Starting center Erik McCoy is out six to eight weeks after undergoing core muscle surgery for a similar injury. Hopefully it isn’t as dire aa situation. It’s a good sign that Mathieu observed the rest of the Falcons game from the bench with his teammates rather than moving to the locker room for treatment and further evaluation.

We’ll have to wait and see whether he misses time because of it. Either way, injuries are stacking up for Mathieu. The Saints have built their defense around several older players — Demario Davis, Cameron Jordan, and Mathieu himself — and each of them are either managing an injury or seeing a reduced role due to performance.

So younger teammates need to step up. J.T. Gray was pushed into Sunday’s game after Mathieu left, but he’s better-versed on special teams than defense, and it’s unlikely that’s the long-term goal for replacing Mathieu. Will Harris and Jordan Howden remain on the 53-man roster while Johnathan Abram, Ugo Amadi, and Millard Bradford are available on the practice squad. Whether any of them are called up for a bigger role is something to monitor in the days ahead.

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