Chiefs Kingdom had to wait seven weeks to see how the offseason signing of defensive end Charles Omenihu would play out when it mattered. The early signs say it was a good deal for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Early in the week, in preparation for the game against the Los Angeles Chargers, defensive line coach Joe Cullen said Omenihu was in good shape but would wait and see if he was in "game shape."
Omenihu joined a defensive line rotation that had contributed 17 sacks going into Week 7. In the victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, the Chiefs added 5 more sacks, good for 22 on the season. Omenihu, when he was on the field, showed why the Chiefs thought he would be an excellent addition to the defensive line. Omenihu had a sack of his own on quarterback Justin Herbert and added two tackles to his stat line.
Play of the game
Late in the third quarter, the Los Angeles Chargers were marching down the field in an attempt to tie the game, and on a 3rd-and-goal play from the Chiefs' 8-yard line, Omenihu used his big frame to swat a pass from quarterback Justin Herbert which then fell into the arms of Chiefs defensive back L'Jarius Sneed for an interception the Chiefs desperately needed.
#Chargers QB Justin Herberts pass is tipped at the line and Intercepted by L'Jarius Sneed#Chargers- 17
— SportsCastProductions (@SportsCastProd0) October 22, 2023
3Q#Chiefs- 24#BoltUp#ChiefsKingdom
pic.twitter.com/gVRqcIHrLZ
Bringing fire to a hot defense
In a press conference this week, Omenihu said he was brought in to add fire to the Chiefs' defense. This is a bold statement, considering the team's defense has already been en fuego through the first six games, with the looks of a top-five defense in the NFL.
Omenihu is now another facet of the Chiefs' defense that has been a large part of why the Chiefs are 6-1 going into a bout against the Denver Broncos in Week 8. It is early to say how much of an impact Omenihu will make on this already talented and deep defensive unit, but early signs were very positive. He will be an impact player to watch going forward in 2023.
After the game, Omenihu should have been happy with his performance, and he gave credit to who he believed should have all the glory.
It’s only God. I have no words. It’s only God. MORE GLORY
— Charles Omenihu (@charless_94) October 22, 2023
Omenihu is showing that Brett Veach was right, that he was a player worth taking a chance on this offseason. Everyone in Chiefs Kingdom should be excited for what is to come with Omenihu and his contributions to this Chiefs team.
What do you think Chiefs Kingdom? What was your favorite part of Omenihu's Chiefs Debut? Let me know in the comments!