At least statistically, Josh Uche’s second-year jump was more of a hop. Playing 21.3 percent of the New England Patriots’ defensive snaps last season, he registered three sacks and a fumble recovery as well as 12 tackles.
Uche served as the team’s number three option along the defensive edge, offering rotational depth behind starters Matthew Judon and Kyle Van Noy. Heading into Year 3 in the Patriots’ system, however, the door appears to be open for more opportunities to come his way — a sentiment expressed by outside linebackers coach Steve Belichick this week.
“I see him (as) part of the blueprint, and I see him being an important piece to the puzzle for us going forward,” Belichick said about Uche.