Time and time again, the Seattle Seahawks turned to Jaxon Smith-Njigba when they needed to make something happen. The best aerial weapon in football bailed the offense out every single time someone had to step up.
That's why it was so rare to watch him drop a pass that would've at least given them a chance to tie the game against the San Francisco 49ers. It was the type of big-time catch in the clutch he's made in his sleep countless times.
While no one will blame JSN for this loss, the Ohio State product took ownership of the rare miscue. More than that, he sent a message the Seahawks' offense can't afford to ignore after another mistake-riddled performance.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is right about the Seattle Seahawks' offense
"Defense, best in the world; they deserve to win the game today, so sucks to let them down," Smith-Njigba said. "Offense, I think we were in our way too much. … Had an opportunity to go down there and win the game, I have to reel those ones in. And I know that."
That pretty much sums up the Seahawks' offense this season. The defense has made play after play, even last week in a flag-fest, and on Sunday against a high-powered 49ers offense. Then again, there's only so much they can do when the opposing team starts an offensive drive in the Seahawks' red zone.
The Seahawks' offense must be better, and it's not even a matter of play-calling; it's about execution. Sam Darnold has looked hesitant and erratic at times, seeing ghosts in the secondary and turning clean pockets into pressures. He also had some responsibility in JSN's drop.
The running game has yet to take off, maybe because there is no true workhorse running back, or perhaps because of the game script. Regardless, the fact of the matter is that they haven't been able to consistently stay ahead of the sticks thanks to the run.
What is the Seahawks' defense supposed to do when Darnold throws into double coverage? What should Ernest Jones IV do when George Holani loses a fumble deep in his territory? What to ask of Devon Witherspoon when no one except JSN can create separation?
Mike Macdonald's defense has been so good that it's given the offense a chance to win the game in both of the losses. Even with two high-scoring games, they're still giving up the second-fewest total yards (267.2) and passing yards per game (150.8), also holding opponents to a successful third-down conversion rate of just 29.4 percent (3rd).
Granted, the offense hasn't been that bad at finding the end zone, with their 26.8 PPG ranking 8th in the league. That said, they've been way too dependent on Smith-Njigba, and their successful third-down conversion rate (29.8 percent) ranks 31st.
The offense is facing way too many third-and-long situations, and defenses get worn down when the offense can't stay on the field. It's early, and it's fixable, but it's time to get something done.
Even the best make mistakes at times, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba shouldn't have to do all the heavy lifting for Brian Fleury's unit.
Add us as a preferred source on Google