The pass rush for the Atlanta Falcons has been a lot better during the 2023 season. But it could still improve, especially with Atlanta needed its defense to play well every week to win.
With that in mind, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox argued the Falcons should pursue New England Patriots edge rusher Josh Uche ahead of the NFL trade deadline.
“The Falcons should see if the 2-5 New England Patriots are willing to be sellers,” Knox wrote. “If so, they should inquire about pass-rusher Josh Uche.
“Uche will be a free agent in the spring, and he’s dealing with knee and foot injuries that sidelined him for Week 7. However, he has a strong track record of production when healthy.”
Uche isn’t a name that most Falcons fans are likely to know. But he broke out last season with 11.5 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, 14 quarterback hits and 2 forced fumbles.
He’s off to a slower start this season. Uche has 2 sacks, 1 tackle for loss and 3 quarterback hits in six games. He missed Week 7 against the Buffalo Bills because of knee and foot injuries.
But if those injuries aren’t serious, Uche would make for an interesting addition to Atlanta’s defense.
The Falcons have featured a balanced pass rush this season. Four different defenders have at least 2 sacks while three others have 1 or 1.5 sacks.
Overall, the Falcons are tied for just 24th in sacks, but they are ranked third in pressure rate.
Adding Uche could allow the Falcons to convert more of that pressure into sacks. He is also very likely to cost less in draft pick compensation than the big-named edge rushers who could be on the move ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline.
In 42 career NFL games, Uche has registered 17.5 sacks, 54 combined tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 28 quarterback hits and 2 forced fumbles.
