FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Here are some quick thoughts and notes concerning the New England Patriots and the NFL:
1. Uche on deadline: For the second consecutive year, pass rusher Joshua Uche has become one of the key Patriots players that teams are showing interest in as the NFL’s trade deadline nears, according to sources from both the team and the league.
Uche’s relatively low salary, combined with his pass-rushing talents, makes him a desirable option for teams looking to strengthen their rosters ahead of the Nov. 5 deadline.
As the Patriots enter their home matchup against the New York Jets on Sunday with a record of 1-6 (1 p.m. ET, CBS), they find themselves among teams that are likely open to trading players for future assets—hence Uche’s awareness that his tenure in New England could be brief.
“At the end of the day, I work for the Patriots, and if they believe trading me is in their best interest, I trust they’ll make that decision. If there’s a chance to build for the future, I know they’ll pursue it,” stated Uche, who is set to become a free agent at season’s end.
“There are numerous rumors swirling and a lot of information that the media hears before I do. We’ll see which of these rumors will turn out to be true, but one thing is certain: No matter where I end up, I’m going to play some excellent football. It is what it is at this point.”
Editor’s Picks
2 Related
Having not been traded at last year’s deadline, Uche expressed appreciation for how former coach Bill Belichick kept him informed about other teams’ interest. He became an unrestricted free agent when the 2023 season concluded and re-signed with the Patriots—his original team that drafted him in the second round from Michigan in 2020—on a one-year, $3 million contract, despite opportunities for more lucrative offers elsewhere.
“I have no regrets,” Uche remarked. “Choosing the one-year, team-friendly deal while other offers were on the table was a decision I made because I wanted to communicate with the organization—Coach Mayo, Mr. Kraft, and [Eliot] Wolf—that I was committed to making it work here. This is why I’m playing under this contract, even if I believe I deserve more. I wanted to show how much respect I have for this organization.”
“Now that I’m here, I can’t ignore the realities of where I fit within the team’s future. At 26 years old, healthy, and with plenty to offer, I’m open to maximizing my potential. My goal is to position myself to get the most out of this game before I hang up my cleats.”
Uche, standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 240 pounds, has played in all seven games this season, starting once. He has participated in 35% of the defensive snaps, although he recently recorded a season-low 11 snaps while taking on a situational pass-rusher role. To date, he has accumulated 13 tackles and two sacks.
Off the field, he mentioned his acceptance into the <a href="https://www.hbs.edu/crossover/Pages/default.Harvard Crossover Business School has provided him with insights that extend beyond the football field.
Regarding football, he is ready for whatever the future holds—whether in New England or elsewhere. He has accumulated a total of 20.5 sacks throughout his career, with 11.5 of those recorded during the 2022 season.
“There is a specific role they have assigned to me here—I’m a pass rusher, right?—and it can be challenging to find those moments where I flourish unless everything is aligned to create those chances. I have maximized the opportunities given to me, and I will continue to put forth my best effort within the roles I have,” he stated.
“If I can somehow find myself in a situation where everything aligns, I am eager to demonstrate my capabilities. We caught a glimpse of that in 2022. I know I am that player. I have much more to offer, truly. I have so much more to give.”
Best of NFL Nation
• All attention on Dak vs. 49ers
• Analyzing the OROY race
• Have the Eagles discovered their running game?
• What makes the Broncos’ pass rush potentially special
• Inside Chad Ryland’s turbulent journey
• What’s next for the Bucs following Evans’ loss?
2. ”Soft” fallout: How did Coach Jerod Mayo’s post-game assertion that the Patriots are a “soft team across the board”—which he later refined to “playing soft”—reverberate through the locker room?
A recurring sentiment was that Mayo had communicated his thoughts to the team beforehand; particularly, that he associates a tough team with being able to run the football, halt the run, and execute kick coverage, which the Patriots are currently failing to do.
Simultaneously, it was noted that his comments caused an unnecessary distraction for the team—a misstep by a first-time head coach. Most players indicated they intended to use this as motivation.
“I think it should serve as a challenge. This is a physical game, and you never want that label to define you,” remarked veteran tight end Hunter Henry.
3. Baker on the bench: Before the Patriots can place their trust in rookie receiver Javon Baker on the field, the fourth-round selection from Central Florida must establish greater trust off the field. Baker experienced a “hiccup” during the London trip last week by not adhering to at least one part of the team’s schedule, according to a team source, resulting in him being inactive for a third consecutive game.
Baker, known for his ability to make plays downfield, participated in six offensive snaps and five on special teams in Week 2. However, he did not take any offensive snaps in Week 3 and contributed six snaps on special teams during that game. He has not played since.
Tightening things up was the overarching theme for the team upon returning from London.
Weekly NFL game expert picks
• Game predictions from our NFL experts »
• Betting insights » | More NFL coverage »
4. Thornton’s return: With Baker still struggling to find his footing and fellow rookie Ja’Lynn Polk (second round) sidelined this week due to a concussion, the Patriots are leaning toward featuring Kendrick Bourne, K.J. Osborn, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, and Tyquan Thornton as their available receivers for Sunday.
This will signify a return for Thornton, the 2022 second-round draft pick who has been a healthy scratch for the previous two weeks, although Mayo confirmed he would be back on the field.
game-day roster this week.
“Tyquan possesses a high football IQ and comprehends the spacing on the field,” remarked receivers coach Tyler Hughes. “In our discussions, we emphasize that while running our routes, it’s sometimes necessary for us to create opportunities for others. Tyquan has a strong grasp of how our concepts interconnect; he is a valuable team player in that aspect.”
Rookie quarterback Drake Maye referred to this idea last week as a “love-of-the-game route” — where a receiver sprints hard even knowing the ball may not be thrown in his direction.
5. Maye vs. Rodgers: Since 1990, Maye will be the fourth Patriots quarterback to make one of his first three career starts against the Jets, following in the footsteps of Scott Zolak (1992), Matt Cassel (2008), and Mac Jones (2021). What makes this matchup particularly special for Maye is the presence of Aaron Rodgers on the opposing sideline, a player he admired as a child and eagerly sought to meet after the Patriots-Jets game in Week 3. Rodgers later reached out to Maye via Instagram to express his appreciation for the moment.
6. OL streak on line: As the practice week concluded, starting left tackle Vederian Lowe felt optimistic about his recovering right ankle, which responded well during practice, enhancing his chances to return after missing the previous week.
Should he return, it would likely end the team’s streak of featuring a different starting offensive line in every game this season. The lineup would consist of Lowe at left tackle, Michael Jordan at left guard, Ben Brown at center, Mike Onwenu at right guard, and Demontrey Jacobs at right tackle, mirroring the starting line in Week 6 against the Texans.
Top stories of the week from 
Gain exclusive access to thousands of premium articles each year from leading writers.
• 4 reasons Barcelona are favorites »
• From Rockets’ moves to Nuggets’ future »
• Miller’s debut NFL draft rankings: Top 50 »
More ESPN+ content »
However, if Lowe is unable to play, it would result in an eighth different starting line, further destabilizing the team’s run-blocking, as noted by offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt.
7. Ekuale ailing: Veteran defensive tackle Daniel Ekuale has stepped into a starting position this season following the loss of Christian Barmore (blood clots) in the preseason, logging the most snaps at the position (74.5% of defensive plays). Unfortunately, the increased workload caught up with him on Thursday, when he strained his oblique during practice, leading to his absence from Friday’s session.
Ekuale is listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup. If he cannot play, potential replacements beside Davon Godchaux include Jaquelin Roy, Eric Johnson II, and Jeremiah Pharms Jr.
8. They said it: “We observed his toughness and his ability to endure tough situations on tape; that was one of the first qualities I looked for at [North] Carolina, so I knew he had that capability. But experiencing it in an NFL game — it’s crucial to see it, and we have.” — Patriots QBs coach T.C. McCartney, on Maye
9. Kraft’s approach: In spite of enduring a six-game losing streak, owner Robert Kraft maintained a tone of patience last week in London concerning coach Mayo and the team’s developmental challenges.
“Not everything transpires as quickly as I might wish,” Kraft stated at a fan event the night prior to the team’s 32-16 defeat against the Jaguars. “Small details make a significant difference. We had to overhaul everything [from 2023]. I believe they are making solid progress, and I admire the chemistry in the locker room.”
10. Did you know?: If the Patriots fall to the Jets on Sunday, resulting in an 0-3 record in AFC East play, it would mark the first time since 1994 that they lost their initial three division games in a season.
Patriots’ Trade Deadline Dilemma: Can Uche Find a New Home Amidst Team Struggles?
Understanding the Patriots’ Current Situation
The New England Patriots are facing a challenging season, with various factors contributing to their struggles. As the NFL trade deadline approaches, discussions around potential trades are heating up. One of the most talked-about players in this context is Josh Uche. As the Patriots grapple with their roster’s effectiveness, the question arises: can Uche find a new home amidst the team’s challenges?
The State of the Patriots’ Roster
The Patriots have been underperforming this season, leading to questions regarding their roster decisions. With a mix of injuries and lackluster performances, the coaching staff is considering strategic changes. Here are some of the critical issues they currently face:
– **Injuries**: Key players have missed games due to injuries, affecting team chemistry and performance.
– **Inconsistent Offense**: The offensive line struggles to protect the quarterback, leading to a lack of offensive production.
– **Defensive Challenges**: The defense has been inconsistent, often allowing easy drives by opponents.
Josh Uche’s Role and Performance
Josh Uche, a promising linebacker with significant potential, has had an up-and-down season. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, inconsistent playing time and the Patriots’ defensive scheme have limited his impact.
- 2019 Draft Pick: Uche was selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
- Skill Set: Known for his speed and ability to rush the passer, Uche adds value to any defensive lineup.
- Current Statistics:
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Tackles | 20 |
| Sacks | 3 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
Trade Deadline Insights for Josh Uche
As the NFL trade deadline looms, teams are evaluating their rosters and considering trades to bolster their chances for the remainder of the season. For Uche, this dilemma presents both opportunities and challenges.
Potential Trade Destinations
Several teams might be interested in acquiring Uche, given his potential and the need for depth in their linebacker corps. Here are some possible destinations:
– **Dallas Cowboys**: With a solid defense but needing more pass rush, Uche could fit well.
- **Chicago Bears**: The Bears are seeking talent to bolster their defense, making Uche a fit.
– **New York Jets**: With their current linebacking issues, Uche could provide the boost they need.
Advantages of Trading Uche
Trading Uche could benefit the Patriots in various ways:
– **Cap Space**: Moving Uche could free up cap space for future acquisitions.
- **Fresh Start**: For Uche, a trade might provide the opportunity to shine in a new environment.
– **Future Draft Picks**: A successful trade could yield valuable draft picks, aiding in the roster’s long-term development.
Challenges to a Potential Trade
While trading Uche holds promise, several challenges must be navigated:
– **Market Value**: Uche’s inconsistent performance might deter teams from pursuing a trade.
– **Injury Concerns**: If Uche has lingering injury issues, it could affect how teams perceive his value.
– **Patriots’ Needs**: The Patriots may be reluctant to part ways with a player who could still contribute in the long run.
Analyzing the Trade Market
The trade market can fluctuate significantly, and understanding the landscape is essential. Here’s a quick analysis of the trade market for linebackers this season:
| Team | Linebacker Situation | Potential Interest in Uche |
|---|---|---|
| Cowboys | Solid but needs depth | High |
| Bears | Weakness at linebacker | Medium |
| Jets | Injury issues | High |
Case Studies: Successful Trades of Linebackers
Examining past trades can provide insights into what the Patriots may encounter with Uche’s situation.
– **Devin White (Buccaneers)**: Traded to improve a struggling defense, White became a key player contributing to a Super Bowl run.
– **Khalil Mack (Bears)**: A blockbuster trade that transformed the Bears’ defense, showcasing how impactful a linebacker can be when moving to a new team.
These examples highlight how a change of scenery can rejuvenate a player’s career and significantly enhance a team’s defensive capabilities.
Practical Tips for Uche’s Potential Trade
If Uche is indeed heading towards a trade, there are several practical tips he can follow to ensure a smooth transition:
– **Stay Prepared**: Maintain fitness and readiness to join any team at a moment’s notice.
– **Network**: Connect with former teammates and coaches who offer insights and support.
– **Adaptability**: Be willing to adjust to new systems and coaching styles, enhancing his chances of immediate success.
First-Hand Experience: Uche’s Perspective
While Uche’s voice isn’t often heard in trade discussions, understanding the player’s mindset can be beneficial. Players undergoing trade speculation typically experience a range of emotions, including anxiety, excitement, and uncertainty. Uche must focus on his performance regardless of external circumstances, showcasing his ability to contribute effectively.
Conclusion: Uche’s Future with the Patriots
As the trade deadline approaches, the New England Patriots face tough decisions regarding their roster. Josh Uche’s future remains uncertain, but his potential to impact a team is undeniable. The dilemma persists: will Uche find a new home amidst the team’s struggles, or will he remain a Patriot, hoping to turn the tide as part of a rebuilding effort? Regardless of the outcome, Uche’s journey will be one to watch closely in the coming weeks.
