JuJu Smith-Schuster and Kareem Hunt are key to the Kansas City Chiefs' victory

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Monday night's game was a throwback to 2022 or even 2017 for the Kansas City Chiefs, who, like some of their former offensive stars, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and running back Kareem Hunt, saw them make big plays wore again as the Chiefs defeated the New Orleans Saints 26-13 at Arrowhead Stadium.

“It’s pretty cool to get the guys back,” Smith-Schuster said. “I would say it’s like the band is back together.”

Smith-Schuster helped the Chiefs make up for the loss of injured wide receiver Rashee Rice with seven catches for 130 yards. Hunt rushed for 102 yards and scored his first touchdown for the Chiefs since they released him six years ago.

“It's a credit not only to the guys and how hard they work, but also to coach (Andy) Reid knowing their abilities and knowing how to put them in great positions,” quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “Kareem just runs extremely hard. He manages to get every meter out, catches the ball and does everything he can to get out there and win.”

“(Smith-Schuster) fits well in this offense and did a great job today. It was cool to get these guys going.”

Smith-Schuster and Hunt were once important players for the Chiefs. Smith-Schuster was their leading wide receiver in his only season with the Chiefs in 2022 when they won a Super Bowl. Hunt led the league in scoring for the Chiefs as a rookie in 2017 and had another big season in 2018 when they released him after a video surfaced showing him pushing and kicking a woman.

None of the players were with the Chiefs until training camp. Smith-Schuster was in camp, but with the New England Patriots. Hunt was out of contract and tried to stay in shape by completing workouts led by his high school track coach in Cleveland.

The Chiefs eventually issued a call for each. The Chiefs wanted Smith-Schuster for depth after losing Hollywood Brown to injury. He caught just two passes in the four games prior to Monday night, when his role was expanded in the Chiefs' first game without Rice.

“I was okay with (a lesser role),” Smith-Schuster said. “I was okay with just being the leader in the room. I was okay with just being the 'Rah' guy.”

“But I think if the opportunity presented itself I wanted to step up. I love adversity myself (in 2022) and it worked out for me, so it was a no-brainer to come back here.

Mahomes compared Smith-Schuster to Travis Kelce in terms of his understanding of what the Chiefs want to accomplish on each play.

“Trav is kind of unique, but (Smith-Schuster) has a good feel for the whole concept of the play, so he knows how to get into the open spots,” Mahomes said. “He did a good job today beating man when they were playing man and finding windows (in the zone) to make big catches.”

Hunt was quickly signed by his hometown Cleveland Browns after being released by the Chiefs in 2018 and played there until last season. But he said part of him always hoped for another chance with the Chiefs.

As he scored the game's first touchdown on a 5-yard run, he formed a heart with his fingers and said, “Show my love for Kansas City.”

“It was a great feeling to be in the end zone again,” he said. “I missed it a lot.”