-
Brady Henderson
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The discussion surrounding Jaxon Smith-Njigba as a premier wide receiver within the National Football League should commence promptly.
Indeed, such conversation may have been warranted as early as the prior season, observing his progression from commendable to exceptional, evidenced by his accumulation of 1,130 receiving yards, ranking him tenth among NFL wide receivers.
Or perhaps following the second contest of the current season, marked by his surpassing 100 receiving yards for the second consecutive week and his crucial contribution to the Seattle Seahawks’ victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers with a timely 43-yard reception in the game’s final moments, illustrating both his proficiency in clutch situations and his capability to extend plays downfield.
Even subsequent to the preceding week, wherein he sustained his impressive commencement with 132 receiving yards and a touchdown during a setback against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
With an additional eight receptions for 162 yards and another touchdown registered during the Seahawks’ 20-12 triumph over the Jacksonville Jaguars this past Sunday at EverBank Stadium, Smith-Njigba’s recent stellar performance should solidify his position among the league’s foremost receivers.
“Assuredly,” remarked Seattle safety Coby Bryant. “He exhibits such prowess consistently. He maintains a composed demeanor, consistently demonstrating his capabilities. In my estimation, he undoubtedly stands as the best.”
The best?
“The best,” Bryant affirmed.
While figures like Puka Nacua, Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and others may warrant consideration, the individual leading the NFL in receiving yards through the initial six weeks is definitively Smith-Njigba, now positioned at the summit with 696 yards, marking the highest yardage accrued within any six-game stretch in Seahawks franchise history, as per ESPN Research.
This achievement has been attained through surpassing 90 receiving yards on five occasions and maintaining a minimum of 79 receiving yards in all six games thus far, thereby averting the subpar performance occasionally encountered by even the most distinguished receivers, whether due to formidable defenses or unfavorable circumstances at the venue. His tally of 42 receptions is currently tied with Chase for the fourth-highest count.
“The feat he’s accomplishing is not easily replicated, especially given our strategic approach to integrating him into various offensive scenarios, with opposing defenses cognizant of his status as a primary target,” noted Seattle wide receiver Cooper Kupp, a former triple crown recipient well-versed in the challenges of sustaining high-level receiver production on a weekly basis.
“The ability to consistently prevail despite the defenses actively devising strategies to neutralize his impact speaks volumes. It underscores his adeptness in route execution and his comprehensive understanding of the offensive scheme, facilitating his adaptability and placement across diverse positions. His performance is commendable, reflecting his stature as an exceptional football player.”
Selected as the 20th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Smith-Njigba recorded a respectable rookie season with 628 receiving yards and four touchdowns. He emerged as the Seahawks’ leading receiver last season amidst DK Metcalf’s absence for two games and subsequently assumed the role of the team’s primary wide receiver following Metcalf’s trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Metcalf’s departure, the Seahawks’ acquisition of Kupp as their secondary receiver, and their brief utilization of the speedy Marquez Valdes-Scantling collectively necessitated Smith-Njigba’s evolution into a more pronounced deep-threat presence, transitioning from his primarily slot-oriented role during his initial two seasons.
Such evolution has transpired effectively.
His 61-yard touchdown achieved on a post route during the second quarter of Sunday’s game exemplified Smith-Njigba’s capacity to stretch defenses, despite lacking elite speed. This marked his third touchdown of the season and his league-leading sixth reception on a pass traveling at least 30 yards beyond the line of scrimmage.
“We identified a specific defensive arrangement that prompted me to anticipate the post route, affording me the opportunity to launch the ball, which Jax adeptly tracked and secured,” conveyed Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold. “This connection was cultivated during OTAs, training camp, and even this week’s practices, culminating in its successful execution during the game.”
The Seahawks greatly benefited from Smith-Njigba’s contributions, particularly given their struggles to establish a consistent rushing attack, with Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet collectively amassing only 58 rushing yards on 22 carries.
Smith-Njigba’s sole misstep occurred when he briefly spun the ball in celebration following a 20-yard reception in the third quarter, incurring a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.
“I must exhibit improved judgment,” he acknowledged. “I must be mindful of the regulations. My emotions briefly overwhelmed me. It was a significant play, complemented by an exceptional throw from Sam, and I was momentarily caught up in the moment. However, I must maintain composure in such situations.”
At his current rate, Smith-Njigba is projected to surpass Metcalf’s single-season franchise record of 1,303 receiving yards prior to the onset of December. Additionally, Smith-Njigba is on pace to eclipse his own club record from the previous season of 100 receptions, which he currently shares with Tyler Lockett.
It is unsurprising that Smith-Njigba’s teammates have lauded him as one of the league’s premier receivers.
“It is gratifying to know that my teammates have confidence in me,” he stated, “and I certainly possess the self-assurance to perform at an elite level on the field.”
