Kansas City linebacker Josh Mauga, bottom right, gets in on a tackle during the Chiefs' win over the New York Jets last week.
Josh Mauga did well reminding his former team what he is capable of doing in the NFL.
Off to the best start of his career, the ex-Greenwave and Wolf Pack linebacker once again led the Chiefs in tackles with 10 as they defeated the New York Jets, 24-10, on Sunday to improve to 5-3 this season. The Chiefs have lost only one game since October, a road loss to the struggling 49ers.
“I thought (Josh) Mauga, who doesn’t get a ton of credit for what he’s doing right now. I mean, he’s leading the team in tackles and he led the team in tackles yesterday with 10,” Kansas City coach Andy Reid told the team website this week. “That’s been a good thing for us. Josh was one of the few people who had a little background with (defensive coordinator) Bob (Sutton). He came from the Jets, knew the defense, and I think that’s helped all the way around. I think that’s been a positive for us.”
Mauga was excited for the chance to play his former team, as well as help Kansas City improve its playoff chances. The Chiefs sit in second place in the AFC West after the Chargers were shut out in Miami.
“It was a great team win,” said Mauga, who’s been starting in place of the injured Joe Mays, who returned to practice recently. “The Jets are still a tough team even though their record doesn’t show it. They have some playmakers and pro bowlers on their roster and we knew it was going to be a battled till the end.”
Mauga had last Sunday’s date circled when the season began because he was eager to see his former coaches and teammates after a rough stint in New York that saw two of his seasons plagued by injuries.
“I’ve been looking forward to the game since Week 1 of the season,” Mauga added. “It was great getting a chance to reconnect with my former coaches and teammates. It seemed like yesterday that I was playing in the green and white.”
The Chiefs visit Buffalo this week before returning home in two weeks to host defending Super Bowl champion Seattle. Kansas City returns to divisional play when it travels to the Bay Area to take on the Raiders on Nov. 20.