Editor’s note: This is the 14th installment of a season-long series on a breakout star from the past week of NFL action. The Week 14 winner: Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has evolved into a WR1 talent for the Seattle Seahawks, showcasing remarkable skills during their recent victory against the Arizona Cardinals. His standout performance included one of the most impressive catches of the NFL weekend.
With the Seahawks facing a challenging third-and-long situation late in the second quarter, quarterback Geno Smith delivered a low pass to Smith-Njigba. Rather than diving for the ball, Smith-Njigba demonstrated exceptional hand strength, snatching the pass just before it hit the ground. He then turned upfield, gaining 24 valuable yards.
Geno Smith expressed a desire to provide a better pass but acknowledged Smith-Njigba’s remarkable ability to make plays. “But that’s why he’s JSN,” Smith remarked, highlighting the wide receiver’s growing reputation. “He’s one of the better receivers in the league. He’s really developing into his own right now.”
The second half of the season has truly marked a turning point for Smith-Njigba.
In the Seahawks’ 30-18 triumph over Arizona, Smith-Njigba recorded five receptions for a team-leading 82 yards and a touchdown. This performance solidified his place in franchise history, as it marked his fifth consecutive game with 70 or more receiving yards, tying him with DK Metcalf (2020) and Hall of Famer Steve Largent (1985) for the longest single-season streak in the team’s history, according to NFL Research. Notably, he has been Seattle’s leading pass catcher for six straight games, a remarkable achievement alongside Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
The former Ohio State standout leads the team with 911 receiving yards, ranking sixth in the NFL. Since Week 9, he has averaged 104.6 receiving yards per game, a significant increase from the 48.5 yards per game he recorded through Week 8.
“My confidence level has always been the same,” Smith-Njigba stated last month. “I know that I could break out and have an amazing game whenever.”
Drafted in the first round of 2023, Smith-Njigba had a quiet rookie season with 63 receptions for 628 yards and four touchdowns over 17 games. However, he has transformed into a top-tier receiver in his second year.
His statistics have improved dramatically across various receiving metrics compared to his rookie season, including targets per game, receptions per game, and yards per reception.
This season, he has surpassed 65 receiving yards in seven games, with six of those games occurring consecutively.
“His confidence is growing, and he can do so many great things out there,” Geno Smith remarked last month. “He’s got such a feel for the game. He knows how to play and he’s so young, but he’s a professional in every sense of the word. If he continues to work hard, he has a tremendous future ahead. I believe he can be one of the best in this game. He’s tough, he blocks, he catches, and he runs after the catch.”
Why Smith-Njigba was successful in Week 14
His effectiveness from the slot proved challenging for the Cardinals to manage. Out of his five receptions, four originated from the slot, contributing to 72 yards and a touchdown.
In 2024, Smith-Njigba has played in the slot on 76.4% of his snaps within Ryan Grubb’s offense, an increase from 64.9% during his rookie year under Shane Waldron’s system.
His tape against Arizona also highlights his knack for finding soft spots against zone coverages, a skill that contributes to his rise as a star in the NFL.
This adaptability and skill make Jaxon Smith-Njigba a player to watch as he continues to develop in his role.
