In a heartbreaking turn of events, Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s record-setting performance wasn’t enough to lead the Seattle Seahawks to victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 9. The second-year wide receiver, who traces his roots to Sierra Leone, put on an absolute clinic with 180 receiving yards and two touchdowns. But in a cruel twist of fate, the Rams managed to eke out a 26-20 win in overtime.
Smith-Njigba’s Stellar Stat Line
Let’s take a moment to appreciate JSN’s eye-popping numbers:
- 7 receptions
- 180 receiving yards
- 2 touchdowns
- 25.7 yards per catch
Those 180 yards accounted for over 60% of QB Geno Smith’s passing total on the day. JSN was simply uncoverable, consistently creating separation and coming up with clutch catches. His second TD grab late in the 4th quarter showcased his elite body control and hands, as he contorted in mid-air to secure the game-tying score.
Rising Star Racking Up Awards
Smith-Njigba’s monster game earned him NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors, an accolade that’s becoming all too familiar. The athletic phenom out of Ohio State has now won the award three times in his first 25 NFL games. Only Randy Moss and Odell Beckham Jr. accomplished the feat faster.
Jaxon’s just getting started. He’s still learning and growing every week. The sky’s the limit for that young man.
– An anonymous Seahawks teammate
Breakout Season Brewing
Entering Week 10, JSN ranks fourth in the NFL in receiving yards (710) and receiving touchdowns (7). He’s on pace to set new single-season franchise marks in both categories. Keep in mind, he’s doing this as part of a WR trio that also features established stars DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
If Smith-Njigba sustains this level of play, he’ll be impossible to leave off the Pro Bowl roster. And at just 22 years old, we could be witnessing the rise of the league’s next truly dominant playmaker. Imagine what JSN will look like with a full offseason as the Seahawks’ unquestioned WR1.
Reasons for Optimism Amid Defeat
As painful as Sunday’s loss to the Rams was, the Seahawks have a lot to feel good about. Their offense put up over 400 total yards and continued to flash its explosive potential. If not for a couple of uncharacteristic Geno Smith turnovers, Seattle may well have pulled it out.
With Smith-Njigba emerging as a weekly matchup nightmare, the ‘Hawks boast arguably the most talented skill position group in the NFC. Defenses already have their hands full trying to contain Metcalf and Lockett. Now add in a still-ascending JSN? Pick your poison.
Silver Linings in Seattle
At 5-4, the Seahawks remain firmly in the thick of the NFC West race and wild card picture. If they can clean up their miscues and get a few more defensive stops, this is absolutely a team built to make noise down the stretch and into January.
And whenever they need a big play, they can rest assured knowing Jaxon Smith-Njigba will be there to answer the call. His future, much like Seattle’s, looks awfully bright. Cherish watching his artistry unfold before our eyes—because at this rate, JSN is on a path reserved for the all-time greats.
