The Seattle Seahawks showed up and showed out in a Sunday night showdown of the NFL's best defense versus one of its best offenses. The Kansas City Chiefs were overmatched in every phase of the game. The result: these Seattle offensive players' stock is soaring.
The Seahawks are back, baby. The defense has had a few lapses this year - very few - but overall, they've been the best in the league all season. They proved that without a doubt as they crushed the Chiefs in record-setting fashion. We'll get to that, don't worry, 12s. The real story was the return of the Seahawks offense.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the way, as usual, with 150 yards on the night. But you can point to multiple players on the offense when you're handing out flowers for this win. From rare contributors like Eric Saubert and Velus Jones to the guy under center, this was the offense we've been waiting for. Mostly. But we'll get to that, too. For now, let's see whose stock is soaring in Seattle.
These Seattle Seahawks have soaring stock
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
So let's talk about that offense a bit. We heard over and over how the Chiefs' defense was determined not to let Jaxon Smith-Njigba beat them. He "only" had 129 yards and a TD at the half. He wasn't truly held in check in the second half, as the Seahawks exploited their defense by distributing the ball to everyone else. JSN now leads the number-two player in receiving yardage by over 200 yards. Yikes.
Sam Darnold
Ginger Cuz is back! I, along with a lot of 12s, was wondering when the dude with ice in his veins would show up. For the most part, Darnold's passes were exactly where they needed to be, not behind the receiver as we've seen too often. Two huge scrambles to pick up key first downs were just part of his repertoire on the night. Yes, he had an interception, but as two targets collided, I can't put that on him.
Emanuel Wilson
There's a very good chance this was Wilson's last start for the Seahawks this year. Unless he suffers a setback, Zach Charbonnet appears on track to play in Week 8. Regardless, Wilson will still get ample reps. And what a way to prove he can be that guy. So, who had the parlay on a Seattle win, with Wilson gaining almost three times K9's yards? And when are you buying out Amazon? I can kick in $50.
AJ Barner
This was quite the night for the return of old favorites. That's right, it was time for The Barnyard Show. Barner had three runs and three first downs. He was the Seahawks' second-leading receiver on the night, with four catches for 42 yards, three for first downs. In a game when JSN went off (again) and Wilson had his own great performance, converting one-fourth of your team's first downs is a big deal.
Anthony Bradford
I'm sure some longtime readers of this site won't believe me, but I am thrilled to include Bradford in this group. Excuse me, make that Mister Bradford. He still isn't the best in the passing game, as he allowed three pressures per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). But hey, no QB hits and no sacks. The run game was strong, with 136 yards on designed runs. Those were tractor runs, 12s.
Yes, Wilson's opportunities will drop off, but at least the Seahawks (and the 12s) know he can be counted on. Bradford wasn't awful in pass blocking, so that's a win. And Darnold looked like the guy who ran through the postseason like a machine. The offense is finally humming in Seattle.
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