Seattle Seahawks Stars Darnold and Smith-Njigba Spark MVP Buzz with Impressive Performances
The Seattle Seahawks are marching into the season’s final stretch with one of the league’s most formidable records. Their success can be attributed to various factors, but the standout performances from quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba have been pivotal. Both players have emerged as potential MVP candidates, catching the attention of analysts and fans alike.
MVP Considerations for Smith-Njigba
According to ESPN contributor Bill Barnwell, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is having a remarkable season that puts him in the MVP conversation. However, the wide receiver faces a daunting challenge. Barnwell noted, “Smith-Njigba is having a special season, but there’s a number that any wide receiver is going to need to hit if they want to win MVP. I’m just not sure it’s possible for a wideout to win this award unless they break the league’s receiving record and top 2,000 yards.” Currently, Smith-Njigba is on pace for an impressive 1,867 yards, which means he would need to ramp up his production to an average of 143 receiving yards per game over the season’s final month to reach that milestone.
Darnold’s Edge in the MVP Race
While Smith-Njigba leads the league in receiving yards, the MVP award has traditionally leaned towards quarterbacks. That gives Darnold a slight edge in the MVP race. Barnwell highlighted Darnold’s impressive metrics, stating, “He leads the NFL in yards per attempt at 8.9 and ranks second in Completion Percentage Over Expected (CPOE) at plus 5.9%. He is averaging 13.1 yards per completion.” Darnold’s performance is notable, as he generates an average of 8.3 yards per dropback, a figure only rivaled by quarterback Maye at 7.5 yards. What’s more, Darnold has achieved these statistics while navigating a challenging schedule of opponents, which adds to the strength of his candidacy.
The Road Ahead for Seattle
Both Darnold and Smith-Njigba have laid a strong foundation, but the path to MVP honors remains steep. To solidify their chances, they must deliver standout performances in the closing month and aim for victory in all four of Seattle’s remaining games.
The Seahawks will take to the field once again this Sunday, facing off against the Indianapolis Colts at Lumen Field. Kickoff is set for 1:25 p.m. PT, and fans can catch the action on CBS or stream it via Paramount Plus.
Seahawks’ Recent Highlights
As the Seahawks look to capitalize on their current momentum, fans can reflect on recent successes, including the strong performances from Rashid Shaheed and Devon Witherspoon, both of whom have contributed significantly to the team’s standing in various power rankings and analytical assessments.
Darnold and Smith-Njigba are poised to keep fans on the edge of their seats as they push for individual accolades while driving the Seahawks toward a successful conclusion to the season.
