Seahawks' Jaxon Smith-Njigba sets personal record in third quarter vs Patriots

In his rookie season of 2023, Jaxon Smith-Njigba got off to an exceptionally slow start. This caused his overall production to be limited to a bit over 600 yards receiving. He did have two game-winning touchdown catches for the Seattle Seahawks, but he wasn't as explosive as the team might have hoped.

After a good preseason, he seemed more settled in and appeared ready to have a breakout in 2024. Then in Week 1, JSN did very little with just two catches and 19 yards. He was only targeted twice as well. Was he simply going to be a preseason wonder in his career and not an adequate weapon for whoever is playing quarterback for the Seahawks?

That theory was put to rest quickly in Week 2 against the New England Patriots. He was targeted on several of the first plays and continued to stay that way into the third quarter. He was not simply catching short passes, however. He was excellent on intermediate routes.

Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba sets career highs early in Week 2 versus the Patriots

Entering the game, Smith-Njigba's career high for receiving yards was 63 yards. After the first drive of the third quarter, JSN had 95 yards receiving on eight catches, another personal best.

Now Seattle just needs to figure out how to get Smith-Njigba more involved near the end zone. He is great in the middle of the field, but new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb doesn't yet seem to design plays to get him open deep. Maybe that will be coming as Seattle is still trying to figure out what the coaches need.

One thing is for certain, though. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is going to be a solid receiver for the Seahawks for a number of seasons. His Week 2 production is likely just a foreshadowing of what 12s can expect well into the future. (Plus, as DK Metcalf has dropped a few passes in Week 2, JSN might need to become WR1 sooner rather than later.)

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