Jaxon Smith-Njigba propels Seahawks with record-breaking potential
Week 12 marked a significant turnaround for the Seattle Seahawks, as they faced the Tennessee Titans on the road. In a contest that demanded resilience, the Seahawks emerged victorious with a 30-24 win, showcasing their determination despite some imperfections. At the heart of this success was third-year wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who has been nothing short of sensational this season.
A Game-Changing Performance
Smith-Njigba has established himself as a standout player not only for the Seahawks but also across the NFL. His explosive playmaking ability has been evident since the season began, and Sunday’s performance was a testament to his growing impact. Against the Titans, he recorded eight receptions on ten targets, amassing 167 yards and scoring two touchdowns. This marks his first multi-touchdown game of the season and just the second time in his professional career that he has achieved this feat.
With this performance, Smith-Njigba has now registered at least 75 receiving yards in eight games this season. According to NFL.com, he is only the third player in league history to compile 75 receiving yards in 11 consecutive games. He joins the ranks of Marvin Harrison Sr., who did it in 2002, and current Seahawks teammate Cooper Kupp, who accomplished the same in 2021.
Historic Season in the Making
Over the course of 11 games, Smith-Njigba has been on a historic trajectory. He leads the league with 80 receptions and 1,313 receiving yards, along with seven touchdowns, ranking fourth in the NFL. After earning his first Pro Bowl selection last season, he is well-positioned to secure a second invite and is also in contention for his first All-Pro selection. Remarkably, he has already set a new franchise record for receiving yards in a single season, achieving this milestone in just 13 games.
The stakes are high, as Smith-Njigba is on pace to surpass Calvin Johnson’s long-standing record of 1,964 receiving yards, set in 2012 while he played for the Detroit Lions. Should he maintain his current level of performance, he could finish the season with an astounding 2,029 yards.
Eyes on the Record
What’s particularly intriguing is that he has six games left to reach this ambitious target. Smith-Njigba’s only outings without 100 receiving yards this season came when he either made a notable second-half comeback or when the Seahawks were dominant throughout the game. To break the record, he would ideally need to match the pace set by Johnson, who achieved his milestone in just five games.
As the Seahawks continue their campaign, all eyes will be on Smith-Njigba. If he can keep playing at this elite level, he may not only rewrite the record books but also solidify his status as one of the league’s premier wide receivers.
