Patriots LB Josh Uche takes blue-collar approach to contract year

Josh Uche’s continued growth and wisdom shined through in this incredible response.

New England Patriots linebacker Josh Uche had a breakout season in 2022, as he became a bona fide pass-rusher and paired with Matthew Judon to create one of the best duos in the NFL.

He tallied 11.5 sacks and 56 quarterback pressures last season. Now, he has an even-keeled mindset heading into a contract year with the organization.

Uche’s role as a linebacker completely changed once he was able to showcase his talents as a rusher. To say he honed in on pass-rushing in 2022 would be an understatement. The Michigan product recorded 15.5 sacks total in four years at Michigan.

He appeared on the Patriots Talk Podcast Thursday and discussed how he approaches the stress of a contract year. Needless to say, his work ethic shined through in his response to the situation.

“Being in college, going to Michigan, I was put in a similar situation. You have four years to try and fulfill your dreams,” said Uche. “That pressure kind of gets put onto you as you approach your senior year, and I learned if you treat every year of your career like a contract year, you don’t have that stress or that frustration because you’re taking everything seriously, from practice to your sleep to your diet.

“The rest will handle itself. But if you control the controllables and take everything serious, treat everything like a contract year, then the chips will fall where they may.”

Uche’s pass-rushing abilities will need to be on full display once again, as New England returns a defensive unit that remains similar in personnel to last year. His production will be paramount to the team’s defensive success, as New England faces several good passing offenses this season.

If Uche can replicate even half of what he did last season, Patriots fans will be pleased.

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