3 Seattle Seahawks to watch in Week 6 against the Cincinnati Bengals
Seahawks Player to Watch No. 3 - Edge Rusher Boye Mafe
Boye Mafe is starting to make a name for himself and is tied for the team lead in sacks with two on the season. He had a great game against the Giants in Week 4, as he had a sack and a tackle for loss. Mafe has done well in his return to the Seahawks defensive line after an injury kept him out of the Seahawks d-line rotation in Week 2. Mafe hopes to build off his performance in Week 4, and should be well rested following the Seahawks bye week.
The Bengals biggest achilles heel in the Joe Burrow Era has been their ability to protect their franchise quarterback. Burrow has been sacked often since he entered the league in 2020. Which has led to several unfortunate injuries for the Bengals' QB. The Bengals have been better this season at protecting Burrow, giving up just 11 sacks this season. Perhaps Mafe can take advantage of a Bengals offensive line which has been suspect at times protecting their quarterback.
Mafe has had sacks in each of his last two games and becoming a difference maker for the Seahawks defense. With the questions surrounding the Seahawks inability to get after the quarterback coming into 2023, Mafe's early season success is a clear bright spot. His ability to rush the quarterback will be vital both in this week's game and throughout the 2023 season for the Seahawks to take a step forward defensively.