Tag: Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. 49ers on offense

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. 49ers on offense

The Seattle Seahawks claimed a massive victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, winning their Week 11 contest within the NFC West 20-17. Starting quarterback Geno Smith executed a game-winning drive by rushing for what was essentially a walk-off touchdown. Analyzing the advanced metrics, these were the Seahawks’ three highest-graded players on offense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba | WR | 88.2

Jaxon Smith-Njigba was once again Seattle’s most effective wide receiver, recording 10 receptions for 110 yards. Smith’s game-winning, 11-play drive that gained 83 yards featured two third-down conversions to Smith-Njigba in the clutch. DK Metcalf is back from injury, but JSN is currently Smith’s go-to playmaker.

Olu Oluwatimi | C | 80.8

Sophomore center Olu Oluwatimi was unexpectedly thrust into the lineup after Connor Williams shockingly retired earlier this week. Oluwatimi rose to the occasion, earning an overall grade of 80.8 from PFF as Seattle’s highest-graded offensive lineman. The former Michi had a perfect pass-block-win-rate (PBWR), according to ESPN Stats & Info. ESPN Research credited Oluwatimi with 27 victories and zero losses on qualifying pass-block plays.

Abe Lucas | RT | 76.8

The theme of returning offensive linemen thriving for the Seahawks continued with right tackle Abe Lucas. Making his season debut, PFF credited Lucas with allowing one sack and one additional pressure in pass protection. With a stellar 76.8 grade, his return appears to have immediately solved Mike Macdonald’s season-long revolving door at right tackle.

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Around the NFL: Bears fire OC Shane Waldron

Around the NFL: Bears fire OC Shane Waldron

It has been a brutal stretch for former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. After two seasons with the Seahawks, Waldron was allowed to interview elsewhere following the departure of head coach Pete Carroll. A gentle way of saying “you are not returning next year.” With good reason, I might add, since Waldron’s offenses in Seattle lacked an identity, cohesion or ability to make crucial adjustments.

This offseason, Waldron left the Emerald City for the Windy City, and unfortunately the change of scenery was not better for him. On Tuesday morning it was announced the Chicago Bears had fired Waldron, following their abysmal 19-3 loss to the New England Patriots at home.

Despite having the No. 1 quarterback from the 2024 NFL draft, Caleb Williams, and another top receiver from college last year in Rome Odunze, Chicago is once again fielding another bottom-tier anemic offense. The Bears have now gone 23-straight possessions without a touchdown and are on a three-game losing streak. They have returned to last place in the NFC North, which is where they finished in the previous two seasons.

The writing was on the wall about Waldron’s chances in Chicago. Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba didn’t exactly give his former OC a ringing endorsement when he was asked about him this offseason. Looking back, JSN’s silence was about as loud of a warning he could have given.

Of course, while Waldron’s departure from his position in Chicago is likely warranted, it’s hard to say he also wasn’t a sacrificial lamb of sorts. Two things can be true. Firing an offensive coordinator is a classic move a head coach, whose head is likely next on the proverbial chopping block, can make to prolong his own employment status. Matt Eberflus is in his third season as Chicago’s top man and nothing has looked good. He has a 14-29 record and despite consecutive last place finishes to start his tenure with the Bears, he was inexplicably allowed to return for the 2024 campaign.

Perhaps making a switch from Waldron to Thomas Brown will help give Chicago’s offense the spark it needs. Otherwise, Eberflus will likely be updating his resume just like his former offensive coordinator.

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Jaxon Smith-Njigba has dominated from the slot for Seahawks this season

Jaxon Smith-Njigba has dominated from the slot for Seahawks this season

Seattle Seahawks sophomore wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has flashed second-year growth this season. The former Ohio State standout currently ranks first on the team in receptions (50) by a sizable margin, with DK Metcalf, who missed two games due to injury, trailing him by 15 catches (35). Smith-Njigba also ranks in targets (75) and receiving yards (568, tied with Metcalf).

One of Smith-Njigba’s best pre-draft assets was his versatility. A technically advanced prospect, Smith-Njigba was described as being capable of playing all three wide receiver positions (X, Z, slot). It turns out he’s been especially dominant at one of those positions for offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb this season.

Smith-Njigba has recorded 43 receptions from the slot position, according to Pro Football Focus. He leads all receivers in catches from the slot. Smith-Njigba also leads all wideouts from the slot in receiving yards (514), first downs (25), and catches of 15-plus (13).

Grubb would be wise to continue moving Smith-Njigba around the offensive formation in search of advantageous matchups. PFF’s charting data indicates JSN has played 434 snaps from the slot and just 96 out wide as a boundary receiver. That indicates Grubb understands how to properly utilize Smith-Njigba’s skill set.

Watch: Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s biggest plays from Week 9

Watch: Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s biggest plays from Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks’ 26-20 overtime loss to the Rams in Week 9 was as demoralizing as it gets. However, the best bright spot from the debacle was the official emergence of second-year wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba as a game-changing force.

The former Ohio State standout was unstoppable against Los Angeles. JSN hauled in seven receptions for 180 yards and two touchdowns. Shockingly, it could have been even greater, as 78 additional yards were called back due to holding calls.

After a year and a half, the first round receiver finally had his breakout game and proved he can be a legitimate weapon down the field for Seattle’s offense. This is made even more impactful in the absence of DK Metcalf, who missed the last two games. Without Metcalf against the Bills, it was evident the Seahawks could not stretch the field. It was not until Week 9 when JSN showed he can be the one to help fill this role.

It’s with this success we should take the time to watch some of his biggest highlights from the biggest games of his career.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks players on offense vs. Rams

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks players on offense vs. Rams

The Seattle Seahawks were defeated 26-20 by the Los Angeles Rams in overtime on Sunday. The offense gained 20 first downs and accumulated 424 total yards in a losing effort. Pro Football Focus had the following three Seahawks players as their highest-graded talents versus the Rams.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 92.5

Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba enjoyed the best game of his young career on Sunday. The sophomore wideout produced seven receptions for 180 receiving yards and two touchdowns, including a late fourth-quarter score that sent the game to overtime. Smith-Njigba was PFF’s second-highest graded receiver of the week, trailing just Zay Flowers (94.5).

Geno Smith | 76.2

Starting quarterback Geno Smith endured a rollercoaster of a performance. The veteran signal caller completed 21-of-34 passing attempts for 363 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. PFF ranked Smith highly despite him committing multiple turnovers. He was sacked seven times, and likely earned brownie points for performing behind a lackluster offensive line.

Charles Cross | 75.8

Speaking of that offensive line, franchise left tackle Charles Cross was the lone standout performer. Cross was credited with allowing just three pressures and zero sacks in pass protection. The former Mississippi State standout has been outstanding all season long. Seattle’s underwhelming offensive line requires more players of his caliber.

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Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba posted career-highs in Week 9 loss to Rams

Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba posted career-highs in Week 9 loss to Rams

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was outstanding in Sunday’s 26-20 Week 9 overtime defeat to the Los Angeles Rams. Smith-Njigba recorded seven receptions on 13 targets for 180 receiving yards and two touchdowns. It represented the most single-game receiving yards of JSN’s career. The seven catches were his third-most in a single appearance, and it was his first career multi-score game.

Smith-Njigba average depth of target (aDoT) of 20.3 yards was easily the highest of his career, according to Establish The Run’s Adam Levitan. It’s especially notable because JSN’s aDoT last season was just 6.4 yards under previous offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. Sunday’s performance showcased some much-needed growth as Geno Smith peppered JSN with deep targets.

Smith-Njigba entered Sunday with an average depth of target of 8.2, significantly higher than last season’s 6.4. That number (8.2) will further increase once Sunday’s data is implemented to his season-long totals. There have been some disappointing metrics as well. Smith-Njigba also went into the game versus the Rams averaging fewer yards per route run (1.22), yards per target (6.3), yards per reception (9.0), and yards after catch per reception (4.5) than last season.

Sunday’s performance was JSN’s second 100-yard showing of the campaign after failing to reach triple-digit receiving yards in any game as a rookie. It also highlighted that offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb is still learning how to best-utilize Smith-Njigba’s skill set. Sunday’s showing was a positive step in the appropriate direction.

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Seahawks lose 26-20 to Rams in overtime, fall to last place in NFC West

Seahawks lose 26-20 to Rams in overtime, fall to last place in NFC West

The Seattle Seahawks are now in sole possession of last place in the NFC West. After losing 26-20 in overtime to the Los Angeles Rams, and with the Arizona Cardinals defeating the Chicago Bears 29-9, the one-time division leaders are now in the basement of said division.

Seattle has now lost their fourth-straight home game, matching their longest losing streak at Lumen Field since the end of the 2020 season through 2021. What game started that particular losing streak? A home playoff loss to – you guessed it – the Los Angeles Rams.

Last season, the Seahawks lead the Rams 13-7 at halftime after a late Geno Smith touchdown pass, and were eventually shutout in a disappointing 30-13 home defeat. In a sick way, history almost repeated itself without edit.

On Sunday, the Seahawks took a 13-3 lead in the final moments of the half after a Geno Smith touchdown pass. From there, the wheels started to fall off for Seattle. The Rams scored 10 points of their own in the third to tie the game 13-13 headed into the fourth. Unfortunately, this is when the Seahawks started to implode.

Well, that’s not entirely accurate. I should say this is when quarterback Geno Smith started to implode. It was one of the worst second half performances the 12th Man has seen from a quarterback in some time. Smith got the offense down to LA’s goal line when he threw a wobbling pass into traffic in the end zone. It was picked off by Kamren Kinchens, who then returned the ball 103-yards for the go ahead touchdown.

After the pick-six, the Seahawks and Rams traded punts. At least, that’s what Los Angeles attempted to do, but their punt attempt was blocked by wide receiver Cody White, who was elevated off the practice squad this weekend. White’s block set Seattle up at the Rams’ 19-yard line.

Unfortunately, the golden opportunity was (quite literally) thrown away by Smith, who threw his third interception of the game five plays later.

However, against improbable odds, the Seahawks were given one final opportunity in regulation to tie the game, and they did make the most of it. Smith engineered an eight-play, 73 yard drive to tie the game with this beautiful throw to JSN. Seattle had life!

In overtime, the Seahawks won the coin toss and got the ball first. Seattle made it all the way to LA’s 16-yard line. On fourth and one, the Seahawks elected to go for it instead of kicking a field goal to take a lead. They were stuffed on the ensuing run. The game then shifted into sudden death overtime.

The Rams went 83 yards in only four plays, and ended the game with a 39-yard touchdown strike from Matthew Stafford to send the Seahawks into last place.

Seattle heads into their bye week seeking answers. Their 3-0 start has devolved into a 1-5 stretch and are looking up at every other team in their division… a division where they are now 0-2 in games against rivals. The Seahawks will be back in Week 11 to play the San Francisco 49ers on the road.

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First half highlights and recap: Seahawks lead Rams 13-3

First half highlights and recap: Seahawks lead Rams 13-3

The Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams are deadlocked in a defensive showdown at Lumen Field. Currently, the Seahawks lead the Rams 6-3 thanks to a Geno Smith-to-Tyler Lockett touchdown, combined with a blocked PAT kick.

Seattle’s offense has looked stuck in the mud for most of the first half. In four of their first five possessions, the Seahawks punted. The only one that did not result in a punt was when quarterback Geno Smith’s pass on third down hit receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and bounced into the waiting arms of Rams linebacker Jaylen McCollough. Fortunately, this play would not define JSN in the first half. More on him in a bit.

But for Geno Smith, the sixth time was the charm. Smith led the Seahawks on a nine-play, 70-yard drive which was capped off with a touchdown strike to Tyler Lockett.

A blocked PAT attempt from Jason Myers kept the score at 6-3, but the fireworks for Seattle were only beginning. On the Rams ensuing drive, it lasted only three plays before Matthew Stafford’s pass was intercepted by Riq Woolen. The intended receiver, Puka Nacua, was ejected for throwing a punch after the interception.

The Seahawks would only need three plays to turn extend their lead to double digits. Smith found the aforementioned JSN to give him a little redemption, as the second-year receiver hauled in the 24-yard touchdown strike. In a matter of minutes, Seattle’s shutout turned into a 10-point lead.

As we like to say here at Seahawks Wire, life comes at you fast in the NFL.

First half stats:

  • Total yards: Seahawks 233, Rams 147
  • Passing yards: Seahawks 178, Rams 133
  • Rushing yards: Seahawks 55, Rams 14
  • Third down: Seahawks 2/8, Rams 2/7
  • Total plays: Seahawks 36, Rams 30
  • Time of possession – Seahawks 16:44, Rams 13:16

The Rams will get the ball to start the second half.

Be sure to continue follow @TheSeahawksWire and @KoleMusgrove23 on Twitter for more live updates, analysis and highlights during the game.

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Analytics are disappointing for Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Analytics are disappointing for Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba

The Seattle Seahawks made a good decision when hiring Ryan Grubb as the new offensive coordinator in place of Shane Waldron this season. Waldron consistently failed to maximize Seattle’s offensive outputs last year. And while Grubb is still working through some kinks, like the team’s run-game struggles, there’s little doubt that he’s been an upgrade in the play-calling department.

One area Seahawks fans were excited to see Grubb improve was the usage of sophomore wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Waldron didn’t get the most out of Smith-Njigba last campaign. And while the second-year wideout has improved his weekly efforts this season, the analytics actually indicate his advanced numbers are down across the board.

Smith-Njigba is averaging fewer yards per route run (1.22), yards per target (6.3), yards per reception (9.0), and yards after catch per reception (4.5) than last season, according to the data collected above by Ian Hartitz. It’s not all bad news, however. Smith-Njigba’s average depth of target has increased from 6.4 during the 2023 campaign to 8.2 this year.

Smith-Njigba currently leads the Seahawks in targets with 62. The former Ohio State standout also leads the offense in receptions (43), but is third in receiving yards (388) with just one touchdown. His 9.0 yards per reception trails DK Metcalf (16.2) and Tyler Lockett (12.7) by a fairly large margin.

Grubb needs to start helping Smith-Njigba produce better metrics in these departments. Smith-Njigba must also take accountability for the outputs he’s in control of, such as yards after catch per reception. The analytics indicate the Seahawks haven’t fully unlocked their second-year wideout yet.

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Seattle Seahawks’ 5 highest-graded players in Week 8 according to PFF

Seattle Seahawks’ 5 highest-graded players in Week 8 according to PFF

The Seattle Seahawks were embarrassed by the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, losing their Week 8 contest 31-10. Though the collective team effort was lacking, certain players outperformed others. The following players were Seattle’s five highest-graded talents versus the Bills, according to Pro Football Focus’ data.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 73.8

Jaxon Smith-Njigba was by far Seattle’s most productive receiver in DK Metccalf’s absence. Smith-Njigba posted team-highs in targets (7), receptions (6), and receiving yards (69). He was the only veteran threat that produced, with Tyler Lockett disappointingly being held to one catch for nine yards.

Geno Smith | 72.7

Geno Smith was efficient, completing 21-of-29 passing attempts for 212 yards. He also only took one sack behind a struggling offensive line. The issue? Smith threw zero touchdowns and one interception, and he was also fortunate the team recovered his fumble.

Coby Bryant | 70.5

Versatile defensive back Coby Bryant took advantage of more playing time due to injuries in the secondary. Bryant totaled six tackles and a pass breakup for a second consecutive week. The former fourth-round pick out of Cincinnati has earned more reps in Mike Macdonald’s secondary even when everybody gets healthy.

Laken Tomlinson | 69.4

The performance of the offensive line in pass protection was a rare bright spot for Seattle on Sunday. As mentioned, Smith was only sacked on one occasion. Left guard Laken Tomlinson played a quality game. The veteran blocker tied his season-best output by allowing just one quarterback pressure and zero sacks.

Byron Murphy II | 65.7

Rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II has improved since returning from injury in Week 7. The former Texas Longhorn recorded one pressure and a season-best four tackles. Murphy should continue improving as he continues getting crucial reps under his belt.

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