The Kansas City Chiefs had a rare trade miss last season with former New England pass rusher Josh Uche not having the expected impact. A deal was struck in late October that appeared to set the stage for Uche to have an impact in Kansas City's inevitable Super Bowl run. However, the veteran didn't live up to expectations, becoming a forgotten man in the Chiefs' defense, failing to get to the quarterback or be the desired fit. This led to his free agency exit and a surprise signing with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Uche signing with the team that just had beaten him in the Super Bowl understandably raised some eyebrows among Chiefs fans. Still, it wasn't an incredibly splashy move when you consider the lack of impact Uche had in KC. There wasn't much concern or fear over the defender opting to sign with a rival. Less than a week into the season, and this has changed with Uche doing exactly what Chiefs fans hoped for months ago.
Former Chiefs Defender Josh Uche Frustrates Fans with Strong Philly Debut
Uche finished Thursday night's 24-20 win over Dallas with four QB pressures and as the highest graded PFF defender in the lineup, receiving a 93.9 defensive grade in his 19 snaps.
The incredible effort and fit along the Eagles' front was obvious from his first snaps. It was a frustrating game to watch for Chiefs fans who aren't fond of Philly or its loud fan base. All offseason, it has been pointed out relentlessly how Kansas City failed in the Super Bowl and why this could repeat the following season.
Uche leaving Kansas City for this team and instantly working only heightens frustration. With that said, it is hard to fault the Chiefs' front office for how they have approached the situation. Uche wasn't getting the job done and left zero reason to entertain a re-signing. Bringing back the pass rusher didn't make sense with more proven options both on the roster and in free agency.
The former Patriot simply didn't give any indication he was turning the corner or starting to figure things out. While watching him in Philly is incredibly frustrating, it is important to remember this and understand Brett Veach made the best decision with the information the Chiefs had at the time. This doesn't make it easier to watch Uche help the Eagles win, but it does explain the decision and make it clear, statistically, it was the right one.
For the Chiefs, their full attention is on the Chargers before getting a chance at a measure of revenge against Philly. It helps matters that the league opted to schedule the game in Arrowhead, allowing the Chiefs to give the Eagles a taste of one of the best atmospheres not just in the league, but in all of sports.
It will be interesting to see what version of Uche shows up in his return to Arrowhead. It is difficult to believe that Thursday's elite production is going to continue with just how underwhelming Uche has been prior to the impressive Philly debut.