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Saints face another road test at Chiefs

Nov 11, 2008 - 6:14 PM New Orleans (4-5) at Kansas City (1-8), 1:00 pm EST

KANSAS CITY, Missouri (Ticker) -- If the New Orleans Saints are to climb back into the playoff race, they'll have to do a better job away from home.

The Saints seek their first road win of the season when they visit the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

Despite owning one of the league's most prolific offenses, New Orleans has not been above .500 this season.

The Saints squandered their latest opportunity at a winning record with last weekend's 34-20 loss at NFC South rival Atlanta.

The defeat dropped New Orleans to 0-4 on the road, an ominous start for a team in the midst of playing five away games in a seven-week stretch.

"First off, we are 0-4 on the road, which isn't like us at all," quarterback Drew Brees said. "Secondly, when I look around this locker room, I believe in the players in here. The desire is there and the heart is there. Now it is time for us to get it going."

The Saints were surprisingly non-competitive against the Falcons, falling behind by 21 points and failing to reach the end zone until the fourth quarter.

"They just played a better game than us," Saints receiver Devery Henderson said. "We just need to get our act together. It's how it happens sometimes. This is the NFL, and if you're not ready, you're going to be in trouble."

Brees, the NFL's leading passer with 2,985 yards, threw for 422 and two touchdowns but also was picked off three times.

Calling the loss extremely frustrating, Brees also engaged in a heated sideline discussion with tight end Jeremy Shockey during the game, but the quarterback said the incident was blown out of proportion.

The Saints suffered another setback when cornerback Mike McKenzie fractured a kneecap and was placed on injured reserve Monday.

However, they hope to welcome back star running back Reggie Bush this week. Bush, who underwent knee surgery on October 20, has sat out the last two games but is expected to play Sunday.

Kansas City, meanwhile, has played much better of late but has little to show for it.

The Chiefs dropped a 20-19 decision at San Diego last weekend when a two-point conversion failed in the final minute.

It was the fifth straight loss for Kansas City, which has dropped the past three games by a combined eight points.

The Chiefs should welcome back star running back Larry Johnson, who was suspended for last week's game and was inactive for the previous three contests due to personal issues.