Josh Uche nabs AFC Defensive Player of the Week after wrecking Cardinals
The cream always rises to the top, and New England Patriots linebacker Josh Uche is rising.
Uche earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in Week 14 for the demolition job he did against the Arizona Cardinals on Monday night. Following the game, three-time NFL Pro Bowler Matthew Judon referred to him as the Patriots' best pass-rusher.
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It's proving to be more than just talk considering the third-year defensive player racked up five total tackles, three sacks and four quarterback hits in the 27-13 victory.
Opposing teams can no longer get away with simply putting all of their attention towards stopping Judon, if they don't want to get crushed by Uche on the other side.
"I told y’all I wasn’t the best pass rusher, and our best pass rusher is emerging," Judon told reporters, per NESN’s Zack Cox. "People are going to have to block him. If they don’t and they chip my side and they worry about me, Uche will do that every week. I just love the way he’s playing with confidence and poise. This is the most he’s played since he’s been in the NFL, so it’s taking a toll on him, but he’s going out there and he’s having a lot of success."
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An argument could be made that Uche has been the best pass-rusher in the league over the last few weeks. He has recorded multiple-sack games in three of his last four outings.
Just in his last five games alone, he has compiled a total of 10 sacks. It's an impressive run that's showing no signs of slowing down.
This season, Uche 24 tackles, 10 sacks and one forced fumble.
The Patriots hoped for a breakout year from Uche, and he's showing it in the latter half of the season.
Better late than never, right?