Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerges as Seahawks’ offensive dynamo, rewriting expectations in a stellar season
Jaxon Smith-Njigba is making waves in the NFL this season, leading the league in receiving yards and racking up double-digit touchdowns. With over 78% of his snaps spent on the outside, he has solidified his status as a favorite for the Offensive Player of the Year award. He stands out as the only player on the Seattle Seahawks with more than 50 receptions and 600 yards, and he even harbors a legitimate shot at breaking the scrimmage yard record for wide receivers.
While these statistics paint a picture of his exceptional performance, one fascinating aspect reveals just how far he’s evolved from the expectations set when he entered the league. Many analysts, myself included, viewed him primarily as a slot receiver during his college days. It was easy to pigeonhole him; after all, 83% of his college snaps came from the slot, and most of his production was generated from that position.
Breaking the Mold
Yet, in just his third year, Smith-Njigba has shattered those preconceived notions. According to Next Gen Stats, he has achieved something remarkable: despite amassing 1,709 receiving yards and counting, he has not surpassed 280 yards on any single type of route this season. He ranks no higher than second in production across various route types, showcasing his versatility. This isn’t a case of a player relying on repetition; instead, he is proving his ability to excel in multiple facets of the game.
His most productive route? The ‘Go’ route, a straightforward sprint down the field where he waits for the quarterback to deliver a deep ball. This season, he has accumulated 279 yards on that route, ranking him fourth in the league.
Versatile Route Proficiency
Smith-Njigba has also shown remarkable effectiveness on ‘Post’ routes, where he has gained 246 yards, placing him fifth. His proficiency on ‘Out’ routes, which involve intermediate cuts towards the sideline, has netted him 245 yards, ranking second. Similarly, he has gained 226 yards on ‘Slant’ routes, also good for second in the league.
His ability to rack up at least 225 yards on four different route types is a mark of elite talent, a feat that few in the league can accomplish. Not to be overlooked, he has registered 169 yards on ‘Cross’ routes, putting him ninth in that category.
Though the ‘Hitch’ route has not been his strong suit, ranking 24th with 146 yards, he excels at ‘Corner’ routes—essentially a Go route with a sideline turn—where he has amassed 145 yards, placing him in second.
Defensive Nightmare
The variety in Smith-Njigba’s skill set makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. While route types like screens, true comebackers, and drags see less frequent use, his ability to dismantle defenses through numerous avenues makes it clear that he is an all-around elite talent.
As the Seahawks continue their campaign, Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s dazzling performance not only highlights his current success but also sets the stage for a bright future in the NFL. His evolution and adaptability signal that this level of achievement is not just a one-time occurrence, but rather a harbinger of what’s to come in subsequent seasons.
