Tag: Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Bills at Seahawks: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 8

Bills at Seahawks: 3 key matchups to watch in Week 8

The Buffalo Bills (5-2) will visit the Seattle Seahawks (4-3) in their upcoming Week 8 matchup.

In this cross-conference and cross-country matchup, the games within the game will make all the difference.

Here are three key matchups to watch during Sunday’s Bills-Seahawks contest:

Amari Cooper/Keon Coleman vs. Seattle corners

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Last week against the Tennessee Titans, Bills wide receivers Amari Cooper and second-round rookie Keon Coleman had their way against their matchups. This week, they face tougher cornerback matchups. On the outside for Seattle will be Riq Woolen, who ranks 18th-best among corners according to PFF.

They also have cornerback Devon Witherspoon who was the fifth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Witherspoon is used both on the outside and in the slot. He may shadow Cooper, but either way, the Bills’ wide receivers need to be prepared to win some tougher matchups to help out Josh Allen and the offense. A couple of big plays from Coleman or Cooper could be the difference in the game.

Jaxon Smith Njigba vs. Taron Johnson

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With DK Metcalf ruled doubtful for Week 8, a lot more targets may fall on the shoulders of second-year receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The bad news for Smith-Njigba is that All-Pro Taron Johnson will occupy the area of the field where he likes to work.

Smith-Njigba has had a hot and cold season, with games of 12 catches and games of two or three catches. His usage has been mainly matchup-dependent, but if Metcalf can’t play then his usage would have to go up. The Bills’ All-Pro nickel corner going against the first WR taken in the 2023 Draft is a great matchup in the slot.

Bills offensive line vs. Seahawks pass rush

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How the Bills offensive line holds up against a talented Seattle front will determine the level of success the team can have on the road. We know it can get loud at Lumen Field, and if Josh Allen is constantly under pressure then it will make things a lot more difficult.

The Seahawks rank eighth in the NFL in sack percentage and are tenth in sacks per game. They rank fourth in the league in pressure rate while not blitzing much. And, they just got Byron Murphy back from injury, who was their first round pick in April. It’s a tall task to keep them out of the backfield all game, but the Bills will need to limit how often they get back there. Running the ball will help keep the defense honest.

Will DK Metcalf play vs Bills this week? Latest injury update for Seahawks WR

Will DK Metcalf play vs Bills this week? Latest injury update for Seahawks WR

The Seattle Seahawks secured a 34-14 win over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday to snap their three-game losing streak, but it may have come at a bit of a cost. Star wide receiver DK Metcalf, after a phenomenal performance which saw him haul in four passes for 99 yards and a touchdown, left the game early with an apparent knee injury.

When asked about it postgame, head coach Mike Macdonald seemed optimistic about Metcalf’s condition, but would know more on Monday. Well, Monday is here, and now we know more. Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Metcalf is dealing with a Grade 1 MCL sprain, and as such, he is considered “week-to-week” for his availability.

For those who are unfamiliar with how the grading system for MCL’s work, a Grade 1 sprain means some tenderness and minor pain. For reference, linebacker Uchenna Nwosu suffered a sprained MCL in the preseason finale, which kept him out until Week 5, had a Grade 2 sprain.

The Seahawks have an impending showdown with the Buffalo Bills this coming weekend, and at this time, we do not know if he will play or not. Obviously, this is not a game Seattle would want to be without Metcalf, or the following week against the Los Angeles Rams. However, in Week 10 the team will have their bye.

If Metcalf is to miss some time, the silver lining is the Seahawks are deep at wide receiver. Expect Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett to have increased roles in an offense without No. 14 in the lineup, as well as getting tight ends Noah Fant and AJ Barner more involved.

Of course, Seahawks Wire will have you covered for all injury related news for Metcalf this week and beyond.

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Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba discusses first career passing attempt

Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba discusses first career passing attempt

Everything went right for the Seattle Seahawks in Sunday’s dominant 34-14 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb even showcased a willingness to deep-dive into his bag of tricks. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba completed a 35-yard pass to DK Metcalf on a trick play. Despite Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith throwing for 207 yards and two touchdowns, it was Smith-Njigba’s 35-yard completion that was Seattle’s longest passing play of the afternoon.

Smith-Njigba had fun discussing the play during the post-game media scrum at his locker.

“I count that as a passing attempt, yes,” Smith-Njigba joked following Sunday’s victory. “It’s been a minute [since I last attempted a [pass], middle school. That play call, when I’m throwing it, I said I don’t care, I’m throwing it [no matter what] and giving my playmakers a chance [to make a play on the ball],” Smith-Njigba joked about not passing up his opportunity to complete a pass. “I don’t care. I’m throwing the ball and making a play.”

Smith-Njigba has a 100% completion percentage in the NFL! All kidding aside, Grubb may reconsider drawing up another potential passing attempt for Smith-Njigba following his “no matter what” answer. Everything clicked for Seattle on Sunday.

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Watch: Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s first pass in the NFL

Watch: Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s first pass in the NFL

When the Seattle Seahawks hired Ryan Grubb to be their offensive coordinator, fans got excited about what he could bring. After all, Grubb’s offenses at the University of Washington were the best in the country during his tenure with the Huskies. Fans were clamoring for creativity.

Well, Grubb has certainly brought plenty of creativity to the Seahawks, and we got a little taste of it on Sunday. Against the Falcons, Grubb found a unique way to get wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba involved.

Making his debut as a (temporary) quarterback, JSN is completing 100% of his passes attempted in the league!

While JSN has shown he can complete a pass, I think the 12th Man is more than happy to utilize his unique skillset as a wide receiver.

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First half highlights: Seahawks lead Falcons 17-7

First half highlights: Seahawks lead Falcons 17-7

The Seattle Seahawks have had their best first half of football in nearly a month, as they lead the Atlanta Falcons XX-7 on the road. Seattle started the game strong with an opening drive field goal, which should have been a touchdown if it wasn’t for a meddling holding call. Still, the Seahawks took a 3-0 lead.

Seattle’s defense held Atlanta to a punt, then a missed field goal, and eventually the Hawks offense found the end zone with a Kenneth Walker III touchdown. The 20-yard touchdown was scored by Walker on his birthday!

The Falcons answered the Walker touchdown of their own, cutting Seattle’s lead to 10-7 in the second quarter. Seattle had a few more fireworks, such as this trick play from Jaxon Smith-Njigba to DK Metcalf.

Unfortunately, the Seahawks could not get much out of this, as penalties and sacks forced a punt. Seattle’s protection has been weak, as usual, as Geno Smith has been pressured the entire game. However, the Seahawks have been able to get to Kirk Cousins as well, such as this sack from Leonard Williams.

But the Seahawks were not done. Seattle took advantage of one final drive before the half expired, with barely over a minute left. Facing a third-and-15 with mere seconds on the clock, Geno Smith uncorked and hit DK Metcalf for a 31-yard touchdown to give the Seahawks a 17-7 lead just before halftime.

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

Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba was consistently open in Week 6

Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba was consistently open in Week 6

Seattle Seahawks sophomore wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba converted nine targets into five receptions and 53 receiving yards in last Thursday’s Week 6 primetime defeat to the San Francisco 49ers. Smith-Njigba’s nine targets was the second-highest mark on the Seahawks, trailing just DK Metcalf’s 11, though Tyler Lockett and Kenneth Walker weren’t far behind at eight targets apiece.

It was the third-most targets Smith-Njigba has seen this campaign. The former Ohio State standout saw a career-high 16 targets against the New England Patriots in Week 2, and another 12 targets against the Detroit Lions in Week 4. Recent data indicates he perhaps should have been targeted even more than nine times versus the 49ers.

Smith-Njigba got open on 87.5% of his routes versus the 49ers. That led all receivers across Week 6, according to data collected by Pro Football Focus. PFF’s separation percentage measures how often a receiver defeats coverage. Smith-Njigba was open on seven of eight charted opportunities.

Smith-Njigba currently ranks third on the Seahawks in receiving yards with 310, trailing Metcalf (469) and Lockett (339), though he ranks second in targets with 49, and first in receptions with 34. Starting quarterback Geno Smith has showcased trust in Smith-Njigba’s abilities this season.

Smith-Njigba’s breakout should continue against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

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Watch Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba sell a fake-out for a big Geno Smith gain

Watch Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba sell a fake-out for a big Geno Smith gain

NFL players are often judged by the statistics posted in the box score. Analyzing the film can offer a friendly reminder that there are multiple ways to impact a game. Seattle Seahawks sophomore wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba offered a terrific example of just that in Sunday’s disappointing Week 5 defeat to the New York Giants.

Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith rushed for a season-high 72 yards against the Giants. Smith’s longest pick-up of the afternoon went for a 32-yard gain. It was his largest rushing output since becoming Seattle’s starting quarterback in 2022, and his longest individual run, too. Smith-Njigba aided that gain by running a deep route and calling for the ball despite knowing his quarterback was scrambling, pulling two secondary defenders with him. and away from his vet QB.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t all positive for JSN on Sunday. The second-year wideout dropped a critical third-down pass from Smith late in the fourth quarter that directly led to the block field-goal attempt on the ensuing fourth down.

Smith-Njigba has recorded 29 receptions for 289 yards and one touchdown through five contests. Smith-Njigba and the entire Seahawks offense will receive a quick opportunity to enjoy a bounce-back performance later this week versus the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football in a critical NFC West showdown.

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Jaxon Smith-Njigba incredibly fooled the Giants secondary during Geno Smith’s 32-yard scramble

Football IQ was off the charts there.

While the Seahawks won’t be happy with how their potential game-tying drive ended on Sunday against the Giants, Geno Smith got the two-minute drill started with one of the longest runs of his career.

It was made possible thanks in part to one of the highest IQ plays you’ll see all season.

As Smith dropped back on the opening play of the drive, he saw tons of space in front of him and bailed out of the pocket immediately to scramble. While that was happening, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba broke free to draw the attention of Tyler Nubin and Adoree’ Jackson in coverage. Smith-Njigba, though, knew that Smith was already running. But to keep the two defensive backs away, he threw his hands up as if to signal he was open.

The simple gesture totally worked as the Giants secondary focused on Smith-Njigba. We could even see at the end of the play as Kayvon Thibodeaux threw his arms up in disappointment at how Nubin and Jackson lost sight of Smith. It was like a shortstop deking out a base runner in baseball. It doesn’t always work, but it can be so effective when it does.

Despite the big gain by Smith, the Giants eventually cashed in on a blocked field goal returned back for a touchdown.

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Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba takes ownership for dropped pass in Week 5 loss

Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba takes ownership for dropped pass in Week 5 loss

The Seattle Seahawks suffered a shocking 29-20 Week 5 defeat to the New York Giants on Sunday. Seattle’s offense possessed the ball trailing 23-20 with under two minutes remaining. The loss was confirmed when the Giants blocked a Jason Myers 47-yard game-tying field goal attempt and returned it for a touchdown.

Prior to the field goal that would have potentially sent the contest to overtime, the Seahawks were facing a 3rd-and-4 from the Giants’ 28-yard line. Had quarterback Geno Smith and the offense converted, Seattle could have continued embarking on a potential game-winning drive. Sophomore receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba dropped Smith’s third-down pass, however, leading to the blocked field goal on the ensuing down.

Smith-Njigba accepted blame for the dropped pass that led to the unfortunate turn of events during his post-game presser with the media.

“Just didn’t execute well,” a disappointed looking Smith-Njigba said. “We stopped ourselves today.”

Smith-Njigba recorded just four receptions via seven targets for 31 yards and his first receiving touchdown of the season. In total, the sophomore wideout has 29 catches for 289 yards through five contests. Smith-Njigba will receive a quick opportunity to enjoy a bounce-back performance later this week versus the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football in a critical NFC West showdown.

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3 Seahawks who need to be better against Patriots in Week 2

3 Seahawks who need to be better against Patriots in Week 2

The Seattle Seahawks claimed victory in Week 1 over the Denver Broncos. Head coach Mike Macdonald is thrilled to begin his era with a win, but the 26-20 scoreline over a rookie quarterback at Lumen Field was arguably closer than many anticipated. The Seahawks should be road favorites against the New England Patriots in Week 2.

Several of Seattle’s high-end talents were quiet in Sunday’s Week 1 victory. Other starters were below-average performers. We’ve identified three Seahawks players who must showcase improvement in Week 2.

DK Metcalf

No. 1 wide receiver DK Metcalf was limited to three receptions for 29 yards on four targets. Metcalf was only held under 30 receiving yards once in 2023, so this wasn’t the ideal start for Seattle’s dominant wideout in Ryan Grubb’s offense. Starting quarterback Geno Smith must make it a priority to get his big-time playmaker more involved this weekend.

Anthony Bradford

Sophomore right guard Anthony Bradford is the biggest question mark on an offensive line littered with them. The former LSU standout edged out rookie blocker Christian Haynes for the starting gig during training camp and the preseason.

Bradford struggled mightily against the Broncos. He was whistled for three penalties and allowed two pressures en route to a Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade of 30.9. Similar results will eventually get him replaced in the lineup by Haynes.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

It wasn’t just Metcalf that was barely involved in the passing game. Sophomore wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba recorded just two receptions on two targets for 19 receiving yards. Grubb placed more emphasis on establishing the run game, and the receivers suffered as a result.

Smith-Njigba’s 19 yards would have been his fifth-lowest total during his rookie campaign, and his two targets would’ve tied his lowest rookie-season output. It was veteran Tyler Lockett that led the Seahawks in targets, catches, and yards. Smith-Njigba should be more involved versus the Patriots.

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