ESPN predicts breakout game for quiet Seahawks edge rusher vs. Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings decided to move on from Sam Darnold last offseason, effectively naming JJ McCarthy their franchise QB before he'd played a single snap in the NFL.
That decision isn't working out well for them, but the Seattle Seahawks won't get to tee off on McCarthy like we were hoping this week.
With McCarthy out, the Vikings will be starting rookie Max Brosmer at quarterback. As with any young and inexperienced QB, the key to ruining his day is getting pressure - which is something the Seahawks do as well as any team in the NFC.
One playmaker to watch on this side of the ball is outside linebacker Boye Mafe, who was dangled as trade-bait at the deadline but the Seahawks ultimately decided to keep him - despite a slow first half of the season.
Mafe has been heating up lately, though - and Seth Walder at ESPN is predicting a breakout game for No. 53 today against Minnesota.
"Seahawks edge Boye Mafe will record a sack. He has only one this season, but his 19% pass rush win rate at edge is above average, and Seattle's run-stopping unit will surely force plenty of third-and-longs."
What comes next for Mafe at the end of this season is anybody's guess.
While his traditional numbers don't exactly scream Pro Bowl future, Mafe has the potential to post 10 sacks a year in the right situation. That might make him more valuable to another team that allows their edge rushers to feature more than Mike Macdonald's total team dynamic does.
The Seahawks can't let him go lightly, though. Uchenna Nwosu has been somewhat disappointing this year after finally returning to the lineup following two injury-riddled seasons. DeMarcus Lawrence is also on the wrong side of 30, and the only other proven edge rusher on the roster is Derick Hall.
Seattle may have the contingency plan waiting in the wings, though. Undrafted rookies Connor O'Toole and Jared Ivey were two of the highest-ranked UDFAs this year, and they haven't had a chance to show what they can do defensively, yet.
Either way, Mafe may yet prove to be a solid long-term starter in this league - and if the Seahawks can re-sign him for a hometown discount they have to consider it.
Puka Nacua Surprises Childhood Friend with Generous Gesture: $10,000 a Month for 3 Years!
"HE'S BEEN MY ROCK FROM DAY ONE. HE HELPED ME WHEN I NEEDED IT MOST, AND NOW IT'S MY TURN TO HELP HIM."
In an emotional revelation that has left fans in awe, Los Angeles Rams' star wide receiver Puka Nacua has opened up about a generous act that few knew about. For the past three years, Nacua has been sending $10,000 every month to the family of his childhood friend who once helped cover his tuition.
This remarkable gesture came after Nacua signed his NFL contract, and he credits his friend for being an essential part of his journey to the league. What makes the story even more surprising is the fact that this very friend has been present at every game, quietly supporting Nacua from the sidelines — a constant but unnoticed presence.
Puka shared, "I wanted to make sure he knew that I remembered what he did for me. It's a small way to repay him, but I think it speaks volumes. He's always had my back, and I want to make sure I’m there for him too."
The heartwarming story of Puka’s generosity highlights a bond that goes beyond football — it's a testament to loyalty and the unspoken bonds that shape us.
Fans are now calling Nacua a true class act both on and off the field. His act of kindness shows that sometimes, the people who help you the most aren’t always in the spotlight — but they are certainly never forgotten.
