Chowder and Champions
Fansided

3 Patriots X-Factors Against Eagles in Week 1

By Devon Platana

FOXBOROUGH, MA - NOVEMBER 20: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots is introduced before a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - NOVEMBER 20: Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots is introduced before a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next

2. Josh Uche

Some players can make an impact in the league right away while others take a few years to find their footing. While it took fourth-year linebacker Josh Uche some extra time to figure out where he fits in, the 24-year-old defender is ready to make some noise for the second straight season.

By the time the 2022 campaign ended, Uche finished with 27 total tackles (23 solo), 14 sacks for lost yardage, 11.5 sacks (second-most on the team), and a pair of forced fumbles with most of that success coming in the second half.

Even though that’s a solid stat line for most LBs, what makes it more impressive is that Uche accomplished it without starting in any of his 15 appearances. In fact, he only played 38% of defensive snaps on top of 11% of special teams opportunities.

After wowing the fanbase out of nowhere, the Miami, FL native has an opportunity to prove that he finally deserves to be a starter.

Again, the Eagles’ offense is lethal due to its ability to beat opponents in multiple ways. Uche is a versatile defender who isn’t afraid to stop the run or join the pass rush, meaning he must be at the top of his game to limit Philly’s success.

If he can’t step up, though, the Patriots winning will be an even longer shot.

Home/New England Patriots