Good morning, 12s. Here's a look at what's out there today — Wednesday, December 27 — about your Seattle Seahawks.
Second-year Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe is breaking out at the right time - and helping Seattle in its quest to secure a playoff berth.
On Sunday, Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe recorded two sacks to help Seattle achieve a 20-17 comeback victory on the road against the Tennessee Titans. Leonard Solms of ESPN breaks down Mafe’s growth in Year 2, and why it can lead the 8-7 Seahawks back to another playoff berth.
In November, Mafe set a Seahawks franchise record with a sack in seven consecutive games after recording just three sacks last season as a rookie. But prior to Sunday's win, Mafe hadn't recorded a sack in his previous five contests as teams began putting more attention on the second-year outside linebacker. The University of Minnesota alum ended the brief sack drought at a crucial time for Seattle, as Sunday's win put the Seahawks back in control of their playoff destiny with two weeks remaining. Solms, highlights the league’s NFL Africa initiative, with players representing dozens of countries across the continent, breaks down why the second-year pass rusher of Nigerian descent earns the African Player of the Week honor.
Mafe, who is of Nigerian descent, was a menace to Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill throughout the duration of the Seahawks' narrow win and saved his best moments of the game for precisely the points at which they were most needed. Mafe restricted Tannehill's options throughout the game, doing a superb job of making his presence felt. The Titans still led 10-3 on the verge of halftime when Mafe made his first sack of the game -- a timely reminder that the Seahawks were not willing to submit without a titanic tussle. In the second half, the Seahawks began to claw their way back before they finally took the lead in the fourth quarter. Mafe then finished the second half as he did the first -- making another sack on Tannehill with under a minute left on the clock to help preserve the Seahawks' narrow 20-17 lead. The former Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker, who was the 40th overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft, has nine sacks this season -- triple his tally from his rookie campaign. The Seahawks went 8-7 and cemented their favorites tag for a Wild Card spot as Mafe's heroics overshadowed those of compatriot Chigoziem Okonkwo, who scored a touchdown for the Titans in the same game.
Mafe is catching fire at the absolute best time for Seattle and himself - while breaking down doors for Nigerian athletes looking to follow in his footsteps.
Social Post Of The Day
NFL Analyst and Up and Adams Kay Adams highlights Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith's play in Week 16's 20-17 comeback win over the Tennessee Titans.
More From Around The Web
Adam Jude of the Seattle Times: ​​What to know about the Seahawks’ Week 17 opponent, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times: Looking back at the Seahawks’ 2013 Super Bowl season: Week 16 vs. Cardinals.
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times:Â Russell Wilson may be gone, but the Seahawks are keeping their late-game magic alive.
Mike Salk of Seattle Sports 710AM: ​​Salk: Seahawks’ final 2 games pivotal beyond their ’23 playoff hopes.
Adam Lewis of Seattle Sports 710AM:Â Pete Carroll praises Seahawks pass rush that leads NFC in sacks.
Stacy Rost of Seattle Sports 710AM:Â Rost: What stands out about Seahawks after getting back over .500.
Go behind the scenes with team photographer Rod Mar as he shares moments from the Seahawks' victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 16. Eye on the Hawks is presented by Western Washington Toyota Dealers.