Overview
- The Bengals signed Mafe in free agency and made him a starter this season after four years as a rotational player in Seattle.
- Through five games Mafe has three sacks, five tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a pass defensed.
- In the Week 5 win over the Miami Dolphins he had a sack, a tackle for loss, two quarterback hits and a pressure that led to an interception.
- Coaches and teammates praise his ability to rush the passer, defend the run and drop into coverage, calling him a versatile, high-energy finisher.
- Analysts cite a career-high PFF grade and top-10 pressure totals as evidence of early impact, while noting the five-game sample is small and longer-term trends remain to be seen.