Seattle Seahawks wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a frustrating Thursday night against the Arizona Cardinals. Through the first three weeks, he picked up 29 total targets, but it took until the final minute of the third quarter to get his first target of Week 4.
Arizona’s defense paid plenty of attention to the Seahawks’ top receiver, and their plan certainly proved effective. Seahawks’ offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak tried other methods to get the ball in the hands of his prized playmaker, instead dialing up some outside rushes. They didn’t amount to much, though, as Smith-Njigba picked up just 11 yards on three carries.
Still, Smith-Njigba kept his head down and gave his best efforts to help the Seahawks' offense. His efforts as a blocker inadvertently drew the ire of head official Alex Kemp.
Seattle Seahawks fans saw their own frustration in Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s heated response
Smith-Njigba threw a block on an outside run, which sprung Zach Charbonnet for a 7-yard touchdown run. That block drew a questionable holding call, and finally, Seahawks fans saw JSN reach his boiling point. As Kemp gave the call, Smith-Njigba walked back to the huddle and seemed to have shouted an expletive that was picked up by Kemp’s open mic.
In response, Kemp gave the 23-year-old receiver the look of a dad ready to hand down a swift and just punishment. After he gave the call, Kemp appeared to have shouted to Smith-Njigba, likely to give him a warning about what had just unfolded.
Seahawks fans know all too well the look and actions of a frustrated No.1 WR. For years, this situation would have been rather par for the course for DK Metcalf. So far in his young career, Smith-Njigba has proven to be a more level-headed player.
His outburst on Thursday is a different side of Smith-Njigba than what fans are used to from him specifically, but his outburst likely mirrored many fans’ feelings on the call. Smith-Njigba’s right hand did get outside on the block, but it also looked more like a collision that knocked both players to the ground simultaneously.
It’s only made worse that Seattle had to settle for a field goal and then watched Arizona march down the field with a touchdown in response. Smith-Njigba had his own response with a 23-yard reception afterward. At least he’s turned that frustration into production.