While our Seahawks were kicking back after that solid Week 1 Wednesday victory against the New England Patriots, a couple of familiar faces from last season’s Super Bowl team were absolutely making waves on their new squads. We’re talking former teammates lighting up the stat sheet and making game-changing plays that have the whole league taking notice!
Boye Mafe Unleashes Chaos On Mayfield
Boye Mafe’s debut with the revamped Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive front? Man, it couldn’t have gone much better. This free agent pickup got started early, recovering a Bucky Irving fumble in the first quarter, which basically gift-wrapped a Cincinnati touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Talk about making an instant impact in your new home! But let’s be real, folks know Mafe’s paid to generate pressures and get those sacks. And he delivered a beauty. His first sack as a Bengal wasn’t just any old takedown; it doubled as Baker Mayfield’s third lost fumble of the game! Mafe was matched up against the elite Tristan Wirfs, and while Boye might not have been an initial factor in the rush, Mayfield clearly thought he had infinite time in the pocket. Woefully misguided, that was, and our guy Boye was just lurking, ready to pounce. That massive play wasn’t just for show. Cincinnati burned five minutes off the clock on its ensuing drive and kicked a field goal, stretching their lead to 33-20. They eventually hung on for a 33-27 win. Mafe was directly involved in two of Cincinnati’s four takeaways, a seriously promising start for a defense that’s been under heavy criticism for years. It’s awesome to see him making such a huge difference.
Cody White’s Game-Changing Special Teams Spectacle
Meanwhile, over in Sin City, it was a winning debut for Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak, our former offensive coordinator here in Seattle! His offense looked super sharp in a 27-13 win over the Miami Dolphins. But get this, his first game ball? It didn’t go to Ashton Jeanty, who put up an insane 147-yard, two-touchdown performance. Nope. That game ball went to wide receiver Cody White! You remember him, right? Released by the Seahawks during roster cuts, signed to the Raiders practice squad, then elevated to the game day roster. White played 11 snaps on offense and 14 on special teams, and while he had no catches and just one target, his special teams value he showed in Seattle absolutely came through for Vegas. He made a ridiculous touchdown-saving tackle on Dolphins returner Jaylen Wright! Instead of staring down a 27-20 game late in the third quarter, the Dolphins ended up turning a red zone possession into a missed field goal, scoring no points, and get this, they didn’t touch the Raiders red zone for the rest of the afternoon. That’s a legit game-changer, and it’s pure Cody White grit.
And A Quick Shoutout To Riq Woolen, Too
And lastly, let’s not forget Riq Woolen! His Philadelphia Eagles debut showed just one tackle and no passes defensed. But guess what else? He had no penalties committed, and he was part of why the Washington Commanders’ passing game struggled to function for most of the game. It’s cool to see our guys, even in new colors, still making solid plays and showing that Emerald City spirit out there in the league. It’s Week 1, and these former Seahawks are already proving they’re forces to be reckoned with. It just goes to show you, once a Hawk, always a Hawk when it comes to bringing that fire! Let’s keep an eye on them as the season rolls on.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Field Gulls.
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