Seahawks dominate Cardinals while Smith-Njigba remains a mystery
The Seattle Seahawks have taken control in their matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, leading 14-3 at halftime. In a season where Jaxon Smith-Njigba has emerged as a standout player, racking up 323 yards and a touchdown from 22 receptions, one might have expected him to be a key contributor in this contest. However, the first half displayed a striking absence of his influence, as he failed to register a single target in the passing game.
A Surprising Silence from Smith-Njigba
Given Smith-Njigba’s remarkable start, where he averaged over five receptions and 90 receiving yards in his first three games, his lack of involvement against the Cardinals raises eyebrows. This discrepancy prompts a couple of questions: Is the Arizona defense effectively neutralizing the young receiver, or has the Seattle offense opted to focus elsewhere despite holding a comfortable lead? With a two-score advantage at the half, the Seahawks may not feel the urgency to force the ball to their top playmaker.
Offensive Efficiency Despite Absence
While Smith-Njigba’s quiet night is concerning, it’s crucial to note that the Seattle offense has not struggled in his absence. Quarterback Sam Darnold completed 8 of 11 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown, contributing to a total of 212 offensive yards in the first half. Averaging 7.1 yards per play, the team has found a rhythm under Mike MacDonald’s leadership.
The question now lingers: what could the Seahawks’ offense look like if Smith-Njigba gets into the flow of the game? The combination of Darnold’s precision and the addition of JSN could spell trouble for the Cardinals as the second half approaches.
Looking Ahead
As the game progresses, fans remain curious if Smith-Njigba will find his footing. The potential for a potent Seahawks offense is palpable, and if they can integrate their promising rookie into the game plan, the Cardinals could face a challenging night ahead.
