Tag: Joshua Uche

Chiefs GM Brett Veach believes Kansas City is a top destination for players

#Chiefs general manager Brett Veach believes Kansas City is a top destination for players | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs are pursuing the unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title this year and have gotten off to a blazing start. The addition of several players throughout the year has raised the team’s profile and chances of accomplishing the feat, thanks mainly to the front office.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach appeared on the Pat McAfee Show last week. He discussed the growing number of players around the league choosing Kansas City during the current run of success.

“Typically, when you get to different points of this season, whether that be in the offseason or at the trade deadline, I think we do hear a lot of, ‘If everything is equal, he would love to play in Kansas City.'” said Veach. “Listen, I think that playing for Coach Reid and playing with Pat Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones would certainly be a destination for any player that had a chance to potentially move on and go somewhere else.”

The Chiefs added veteran players JuJu Smith-Schuster and Samaje Perine in free agency shortly before the season while trading for DeAndre Hopkins and Joshua Uche. Player injuries and juggling roster spots allowed Veach and his staff to make these additions. The front office has typically made splashes in the draft with homegrown talent but will try to recruit veterans who can financially fit in the budget.

Chiefs DT Mike Pennel shares his thoughts on Joshua Uche’s progress: ‘He’s picking it up’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive tackle Mike Pennel shares his thoughts on Joshua Uche’s progress: ‘He’s picking it up’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Mike Pennel is a veteran of the team’s system and has firmly grasped how things are done in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. He spoke to the media on Friday, providing an update on the progress of recently acquired pass rusher Joshua Uche.

“I’ve heard about him in college. I saw him a little bit over in New England, and, you know, Mike Danna, they were teammates together. So we know that he’s a speed rusher. He’s a guy that gets after the quarterback as Spags’ (Steve Spagnuolo) playbook is complex, but he’s picking it up very well.” said Pennel. “He’s blended well with the guys, is a hard worker, and is entertaining in the locker room. And, keep him under the wing and just let him know it’s a family atmosphere, giving him room to grow, room to work.”

The former Michigan Wolverine is off to a slow start in Kansas City, but there is optimism that he will find a solid role in the defensive system. More practice time and support from his new teammates will help contribute to his progress as the postseason draws closer.

Chiefs DC Steve Spaguolo discusses Joshua Uche’s progress: ‘Snaps for Josh will go up’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spaguolo discusses Joshua Uche’s progress: ‘Snaps for Josh will go up’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s game plan has a reputation for having a complicated playbook featuring various pass-rushing scenarios. The training camp sessions and practices run through different procedures, allowing players to make plays after putting in time in the facility.

Spagnuolo spoke with reporters on Thursday about Joshua Uche’s debut in a Chiefs uniform last week. He believes the former Michigan Wolverine will see more time on the field moving forward as he adjusts to his new team.

“We were hoping to get a few more snaps in there. It didn’t work out that way. I think the snaps for Josh (Uche) will go up.” said Spagnuolo. “In three days, it’s kind of hard to pick up any system. So we kind of fed a little at a time. Joe’s (Cullen) feeding him more. We just got through a walk-through; we’re in the first, second, and third down today. We got everything, so hopefully, we can build on what he did last week.”

Uche appeared in a few series defensively on Monday night but was active on special teams while learning the playbook. He’s a respected pass rusher from his time with the New England Patriots, finding his way in Spagnuolo’s defense.

Chiefs OT Jawaan Taylor restructured his contract to help the roster: ‘I’m a team-first guy’

Kansas City #Chiefs offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor restructured his contract to help the roster: ‘I’m a team-first guy’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor spoke with reporters on Saturday about his recent agreement to restructure his contract. The new deal opened up space to make recent additions to the roster after several injuries.

“I’m a team-first guy, so anything to help the team win or help the team become better,” said Taylor, “I’m willing to do that, so it wasn’t really much of a conversation. I just had to make it happen, and when it was presented to me, it wasn’t even a thought. I was just willing to help the team.”

The veteran right tackle’s sacrifice opened the door for the trades that brought DeAndre Hopkins and Joshua Uche to Kansas City. Taylor reportedly cleared 5.3 million in cap space for the team.

“We always want the opportunity to get better and help the team in whatever way we can,” said Taylor, “We had a couple of guys go down with injuries and stuff like that, so I think the guys we brought in are definitely going to help us out.”

Taylor has played better this year, limiting the penalties that plagued his 2023 season. He is a respected veteran who is committed to helping the team win.

Chiefs TE Travis Kelce discusses DeAndre Hopkins’ veteran presence: ‘He’s just professional’

Kansas City #Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce discusses DeAndre Hopkins’ veteran presence: ‘He’s just professional’ | @EdEastonJr

The moves being made by the Kansas City Chiefs front office are preparing the team for a hopeful three-peat run. Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce serves as a leader on the team, and he doesn’t hold back on uplifting new teammates when they join the organization.

On the latest episode of the New Heights podcast, Kelce praised DeAndre Hopkins’ immediate veteran presence on the team.

“It’s awesome, man. Having D-Hop (DeAndre Hopkins) in the building, have another vet, a guy, he’s such a,  I call him ‘Swag Champ’ when you get a vet into the building, and he juices everybody’s confidence up,” said Kelce. “He juices everybody, like the aura and the fun that you have in the building and just going to work. He’s just another guy that you can always rely on to show up and put in the work, but enjoy what he’s doing and try and have some fun with it. Man, he’s been awesome stepping up and stepping into the building.”

Hopkins will have a more prominent role in the offense after his brief cameo in the Week 8 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.

“He had two days, Thursday and Friday during practice, to get timing with Pat (Patrick Mahomes) and in the offense to try and kind of get into the routine, everything with coach (Andy) Reid’s way of doing things,” said Kelce. “he’s just professional, just a professional guy. He came in asking questions, trying to get caught up as fast as possible. And sure enough, we got him in the building, and I think the first third down we had, we went right to him, baby. Yeah, right to him. And he’s right on time, man.”

The Chiefs return to action on Monday Night Football with Hopkins and recently acquired linebacker Joshua Uche taking center stage in front of a national audience.

Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo discusses Joshua Uche’s role: ‘I’m not sure’

Kansas City Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo discusses Joshua Uche’s role: ‘I’m not sure’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ recent trade with the New England Patriots has landed them one of the best young pass rushers in the league. Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo spoke to reporters on Friday for the first time since acquiring Joshua Uche, sharing his thoughts on his potential role on the team.

“I’m not sure what will happen this Monday – I mean, it’s quick, but (Defensive Line Coach) Joe’s (Cullen) doing – Joe and (Assistant Defensive Line Coach) Terry (Bradden) are doing the best they can to get him (Joshua Uche) up to date on the things we’re doing,” said Spagnuolo. “We just went through a walk-through there, and he got involved in it, so that’s good. We’ll see where we’re at. Hopefully, we get some edge rush out of him. I know he’s a good football player – a lot of good things about him – all the research we did. Mike Danna played with him. I remember talking to Mike about him as a teammate, and everything came back positive, so (we’ll) keep our fingers crossed and be hopeful.”

Uche has two sacks this season and will be counted on in various ways for Spagnuolo’s defense during the stretch run. The relationship with former college teammate Mike Danna should help the learning curve and possibly get Uche on the field for Monday night.

Chiefs vs. Buccaneers Week 9: How to watch, listen and stream

Check out everything you need to know to watch the #Chiefs’ Week 9 matchup against the #Buccaneers on “Monday Night Football.”

The Kansas City Chiefs remain undefeated after eight weeks and are headed back home to Arrowhead Stadium to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, November 4 in a Super Bow LV rematch.

The Chiefs have continued to make big moves ahead of the NFL’s trade deadline, adding pass rusher Joshua Uche via trade from the New England Patriots earlier this week on top of their acquisition of veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins last week.

Kansas City remains the hottest team in the league, and the additions of Hopkins and Uche will undoubtedly provide a shot in the arm for the Chiefs as they look to keep their perfect season intact.

Below are important game details about this Week 9 matchup:

Game information:

Who: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

When: Sunday, November 4, 7:15 p.m. CST

Where: Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City, Missouri

Streaming:

In-market live stream: FuboTV (free 7-day trial)

Streaming: NFL+ or ESPN+

Broadcast:

TV: ESPN (Channel 33) (Watch FREE with Fubo)

Radio: KFNZ-FM (96.5 The Fan)

Broadcasters:

Joe Buck (play-by-play), Troy Aikman (analyst), Lisa Salters (sideline)

Opponent wire site:

Bucs Wire

2024 Schedule:

Week Date Opponent Time
1 Thursday, Sept. 5 vs. Baltimore Ravens (W 27-20 ) 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC
2 Sunday, Sept. 15 vs. Cincinnati Bengals (W 26-25) 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS
3 Sunday, Sept. 22 @ Atlanta Falcons (W 22-17) 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC
4 Sunday, Sept. 29 @ Los Angeles Chargers (W 17-10) 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS
5 Monday, Oct. 7 vs. New Orleans Saints (W 26-13) 7:15 p.m CT on ESPN
6 BYE BYE BYE
7 Sunday, Oct. 20 @ San Francisco 49ers (W 28-18) 3:25 p.m. CT on FOX
8 Sunday, Oct. 27 @ Las Vegas Raiders (W 27-20) 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS
9 Monday, Nov. 4 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7:15 p.m. CT on ESPN
10 Sunday, Nov. 10 vs. Denver Broncos Noon CT on CBS
11 Sunday, Nov. 17 @ Buffalo Bills 3:25 p.m. CT on CBS
12 Sunday, Nov. 24 @ Carolina Panthers Noon CT on CBS
13 Friday, Nov. 29 vs Las Vegas Raiders 2 p.m. CT on Prime
14 Sunday, Dec. 8 vs. Los Angeles Chargers 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC
15 Sunday, Dec. 15 @ Cleveland Browns Noon CT on CBS
16 Saturday, Dec. 21 vs. Houston Texans Noon CT on NBC
17 Wednesday, Dec. 25 @ Pittsburgh Steelers Noon CT on Netflix
18 Sunday, Jan. 5 @ Denver Broncos TBD

 

Chiefs LB Joshua Uche details his progress in learning Steve Spagnuolo’s system: ‘It’s a lot’

Kansas City #Chiefs linebacker Joshua Uche details his progress in learning Steve Spagnuolo’s system: ‘It’s a lot’ | @EdEastonJr

Newly acquired Kansas City Chiefs pass rusher Joshua Uche addressed the media on Thursday for the first time as a team member. He spoke about his adjustment to defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s system and progress to potentially playing on Monday night.

“It’s a lot. Man, that’s what makes him (Steve Spagnuolo) so great,” said Uche. “He brings in smart, tough, dependable football players that can pick up and absorb much information. So, you know, I know it’s my first couple days in, but I’m working the best I can to absorb all that information.”

The former Michigan standout, who played for the New England Patriots for the last five years, admires Spagnuolo’s game-planning style and is eager to work with him in Kansas City.

“He’s one of the legends in the league. Just from all the different schemes, he runs blitzes and pressures, you name it,” said Uche. I mean, yeah, he’s definitely a legend around the league. I mean, seeing him up close and personal day in and day out right now is like, I don’t know, it still doesn’t feel real. It’ll hit me soon, though.”

Uche practiced for the first time on Thursday and hopes to get the coaches’ green light to play in Week 9 while he still learns the playbook.

“I’m doing everything I can to be out there, you know, at the end of the day, that’s a coaching decision,” said Uche. “So, (I’m) just doing everything I can to be prepared and ready to go to help the team win.”

The former second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft has two sacks so far this season and hopes to add to that total in Kansas City.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid reveals Joshua Uche’s playing chances vs. Buccaneers in Week 9

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reveals Joshua Uche’s playing chances vs. the Tampa Bay #Buccaneers in Week 9 | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid addressed the media before practice on Thursday. He gave his thoughts on the newly acquired Joshua Uche’s chances of playing on Monday Night Football against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“We’ve had the benefit of having played against him, so we know he’s a very aggressive, good pass rusher, good all-around player, but pass rusher,” Reid said. So, we’ll work him with the defensive line rotation-wise. As long as he can handle anything, I wouldn’t expect that he wouldn’t. But he’ll start today working in there and getting used to what we do.”

During his 58 career games, the former Michigan Wolverine has 20.5 sacks and 19 tackles for loss.

“We just know how important that position is, and adding him into the mix there is something that helps us as a football team; I’d tell you that’s why we did that,” said Reid. “Yeah, i think there is a good chance; we’ll see, though. (regarding Uche’s availability on Monday).

Uche is a well-known pass rusher who will have a chance to make big plays in the Chiefs’ already highly touted defense.

Chiefs cap space: Latest numbers after trades for DeAndre Hopkins, Joshua Uche

The Kansas City #Chiefs will have to get creative if they want to add another player before the NFL’s trade deadline.

The Kansas City Chiefs are officially all-in on their quest to complete the NFL’s first-ever Super Bowl three-peat after trading with the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots for wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and pass-rusher Joshua Uche.

Hopkins, who was dealt to Kansas City by Tennessee, is expected to play a key role in the Chiefs’ offense after injuries have decimated the defending champions’ receiving corps through seven games.

Uche was Kansas City’s latest acquisition by way of New England and should fit in well with Chris Jones and George Karlaftis on the Chiefs’ front four in Steve Spagnuolo’s gritty defense.

The deals that landed Hopkins and Uche didn’t come without a cost, though. After acquiring both players, Kansas City has effectively hit the NFL’s salary cap limit, with less than $1 million remaining available to spend.

 

Expect the Chiefs to get creative with the contracts they currently have on the books if injuries necessitate further roster moves through the rest of the season.