Chiefs vs Dolphins: Emmanuel Ogbah will be interesting to watch in Week 14

The Chiefs will see a familiar face in former pass rusher Emmanuel Ogbah as they face the Dolphins.

Last year, the Kansas City Chiefs enjoyed the pass rushing services of defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah. Unfortunately, an injury derailed his productive season, and the waters of free agency carried him away after a single season. Now they get to see him once again as they suit up to face the Miami Dolphins in Week 14.

Ogbah has been revelatory as a free agent import for Brian Flores’ defense in 2020. Ogbah signed a mid-sized, two-year contract worth up to $15 million and so far it looks like solid bang for Miami’s buck through three-quarters of his first year in South Florida.

So far in 2020, Ogbah has 36 tackles, 30 quarterback pressures, 19 QB hits, 8 sacks, 5 passes deflected, and 3 forced fumbles in 13 games for the Dolphins. Those totals are eye-popping, to be sure, but they build well on the production he displayed in Kansas City as a late blossoming pass rusher in the NFL.

Ogbah first entered the NFL as a second-round pick for the Cleveland Browns, but for many players, the potential is only unlocked in a scheme that fits with a coaching staff that can develop talent. Consequently, Ogbah was considered a bust after three seasons in Cleveland. Instead of being a cornerstone defensive end in the AFC North, he turned into a situational pass rusher who’d failed to reach his ceiling (and had been bypassed on the depth chart).

In 2019, Ogbah signed in K.C. on a one-year deal and put up 11 quarterback hits and 5.5 sacks in limited action for the Chiefs. That sort of newfound production—Ogbah had matched his career high in sacks in only 10 games and 4 starts—gave Miami the confidence to pursue him in free agency. Now he’s anchoring the team’s pass rush in a surprising 8-4 season.

Earlier this week, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid was asked about Ogbah and he told the story quite simply:

"“I loved him as a player and person. He’s great kid. … He got hurt with us. I thought he was really playing good football. And the Dolphins saw that, they brought him down, they paid him good money and he’s living up to all that. What a great deal for him and the Dolphins.”"

Now the Chiefs will see Ogbah up close once again, this time on the other side. It will be interesting to watch how he fares against his former team in Week 14.