🚨STING IN THE TAI: Josh Uche’s rise this season turns into the cruelest punishment for Kansas City proving how one missed deal can reshape a contender’s fate

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid stands on the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

One of the Kansas City Chiefs’ biggest problems throughout the first two weeks of the season has been their lack of pass rush. In two games, the Chiefs have four sacks, three quarterback hits, 23 QB hurries, and 30 QB pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. With that being said, Kansas City’s struggles rushing the passer go back to last season.

The Chiefs struggled to get to the passer in the first half of the season, too, which is why they acquired Josh Uche from the New England Patriots before the trade deadline. Uche was two seasons removed from a breakout performance, which Kansas City was hoping to recapture. Unfortunately, the 26-year-old was unable to make an impact with the Chiefs, even sitting out in the Super Bowl.

That said, Uche has gotten off to a hot start with one of the Chiefs’ biggest rivals in 2025, which certainly stings given last season’s letdown.

Former Chief Josh Uche Off to an Amazing Start with Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles signed Uche to a one-year prove-it deal in the offseason. The defending Super Bowl Champions needed pass-rush help after losing multiple defensive linemen, and, so far, Uche seems to be working out better for them than he did in Kansas City.

In two games, the 26-year-old disruptor has four quarterback hurries and four quarterback pressures. His 90.4 PFF pass rush grade is the fifth-best mark among 148 eligible exterior defenders, while his 92.9 overall grade is No. 1 at his position. The Chiefs’ pass rush, which is ranked 30th on PFF (56.3), could certainly use someone like him.

As a Chief, Uche had one quarterback hurry and one quarterback pressure in six games. Furthermore, he recorded an abysmal 57.4 pass-rushing grade and a 56.0 overall grade. Seeing Uche succeed with the Eagles should infuriate Chiefs Kingdom.

Steve Spagnuolo and Vic Fangio are considered two of the best defensive coordinators in the league, so the fact that Spagnuolo was unable to find the proper way to utilize Uche in his defense is upsetting.

Fangio, on the other hand, seemingly immediately found a way to use Uche in the Eagles’ defense. The Philadelphia DC’s ability to use players to their full potential is why the Eagles’ defense has stifled the Chiefs in back-to-back games.

The Chiefs need to bounce back and figure out a way to generate success with their pass rush. If they can’t do so, Uche’s thriving with the Eagles will sting even more in the long run.