Second-year Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe extended his streak to four-consecutive games with a sack in Sunday's win over the Cardinals, tying defensive tackle Jarran Reed for the team lead with 4.0. ESPN Analytics prove that Mafe’s red-hot start is no fluke - as he leads the league in pass rush win rate through seven weeks.
In just six games, the Minnesota alum has surpassed his rookie total of 3.0 sacks, while tying for team lead in tackles for loss (five) and fumble recoveries (one). ESPN's Analytics' weekly pass rush, run stop and blocking win rate rankings list the top performers up-front by advanced metrics.
After a steady climb through the early portion of the season, Mafe now ties for No.1 in pass rush win rate with Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (31%). Of 77 pass rush plays, Mafe is credited with 24 wins, while being double-teamed 12 percent of the time.
The stat sheet, eye test and advanced analytics tell the same story - Mafe is trending up in Year 2.
Take a look at linebacker Boye Mafe during his time at the University of Minnesota. Mafe was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the 2nd round, No. 40 overall, in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Mafe Boye, sack
Boye Mafe
Mafe Boye
Minnesota defensive lineman Boye Mafe (34) rushes against Ohio State in the third quarter of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, in Minneapolis. Ohio State won 45-31. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Minnesota defensive lineman Boye Mafe (34) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Michigan quarterback Joe Milton (5) leaps forward as Minnesota defensive lineman Boye Mafe (34) tackles him in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) eludes the pressure of Minnesota defensive lineman Boye Mafe (34) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, in Minneapolis. Ohio State won 45-31. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Illinois offensive lineman Julian Pearl (54) defends against Minnesota defensive lineman Boye Mafe (34) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Minneapolis. Illinois won 14-6. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Minnesota defensive lineman Boye Mafe (34) on the field against Maryland during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Iowa offensive lineman Jack Plumb (79) looks to block Minnesota defensive lineman Boye Mafe (34) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 27-22. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Minnesota defensive lineman Boye Mafe, right, sacks Colorado quarterback Brendon Lewis in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Minnesota defensive lineman Boye Mafe (34) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Minnesota defensive lineman Boye Mafe (34) on the field during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Minneapolis. Illinois won 14-6. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
