Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba Faces Shutdown Threat from Falcons’ Relentless Defense
A Challenging Road Trip
As the Seattle Seahawks (9-3) prepared to face the Atlanta Falcons (4-8) in Week 14, the stakes were high. This matchup posed a potential trap game, one that could catch the Seahawks off guard if they weren’t careful. While Seattle has established itself as a contender this season, the Falcons’ defense presented unique challenges that could hinder their offensive flow.
The Falcons’ Defensive Prowess
The key concern for the Seahawks revolves around the formidable Atlanta defense, particularly its blitz-heavy approach. CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell highlighted a bold prediction for the week: star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba could find himself shut down for a second consecutive game. The reasons for this potential limitation are twofold: the Falcons’ aggressive pass rush and the exceptional performance of their defensive backs.
With 41 sacks this season, Atlanta ranks third in the NFL, showcasing a relentless pursuit of opposing quarterbacks. Their strategy involves frequent blitzing from both linebackers and defensive backs, a tactic that caught Seattle’s offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and his unit off guard in their previous game against the Minnesota Vikings. This led to significant dysfunction in the passing game, resulting in Smith-Njigba being limited to just two catches for 23 yards—his lowest output of the season.
Key Matchups to Watch
One of the primary defenders JSN will face is cornerback Mike Terrell, who has been outstanding this year. In ten games, Terrell has allowed only 19 receptions on 35 targets for a mere 212 yards, with no touchdowns surrendered and a passer rating of just 72.6 against him. This impressive performance plays a significant role in why the Falcons rank eighth in the league for passing yards allowed per game, giving up only 187.5 yards.
The Falcons will leverage their defensive strengths to create opportunities for an upset against the Seahawks. A victory would not only provide a much-needed boost after losing six of their last seven games but could also revive Atlanta’s faltering season.
The Pressure on Seattle’s Offense
For the Seahawks, the urgency is palpable. After a lackluster performance against the Vikings in Week 13, regaining their offensive rhythm becomes critical. Smith-Njigba is pivotal to this effort. His height, speed, reliable hands, and precise route-running skills give him an edge over defenders like Terrell. If he can secure some crucial catches and assist quarterback Sam Darnold with quick passing plays, Seattle could mitigate concerns about their offensive output.
As this clash unfolds, both teams carry significant implications for their respective seasons. The Seahawks aim to bounce back and solidify their playoff positioning, while the Falcons strive to turn their fortunes around. The outcome may hinge on whether Jaxon Smith-Njigba can rise to the occasion against a formidable defense determined to stifle him.
