Tag: JSN

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Vikings on offense in Week 16

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Vikings on offense in Week 16

The Seattle Seahawks fell short of upsetting the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, losing a nail biter 27-24. Though Geno Smith and the offense turned over the football on the game’s most important possession, Ryan Grubb’s unit was effective, racking up a game-high 361 total yards. These Seahawks were their highest-graded players on offense on Sunday, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 75.8

Jaxon Smith-Njigba has become Smith’s go-to receiver this season. JSN led the Seahawks in receptions (eight) and receiving yards (95) for an eighth consecutive contest. Smith-Njigba also reached the end zone for a sixth occasion this season via an 18-yard grab in the second quarter.

Charles Cross | 73.0

Seahawks left tackle Charles Cross handled Brian Flores’ haunting pass rush in impressive fashion. The former Mississippi State standout only allowed two pressures and zero sacks in pass protection. Smith was only sacked twice. He could always rely on his blindside protector to provide a clean pocket. The other four blockers? Not so much.

DK Metcalf | 67.9

DK Metcalf finally ended a five-game scoring drought through a 25-yard score in the first quarter, tying the game at seven apiece. Metcalf concluded Sunday with a respectable three receptions for 57 receiving yards. The big-play boundary threat averaged an explosive 19 yards per catch.

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Despite the loss, Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba reflects on his historic season

Despite the loss, Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba reflects on his historic season

Sunday evening was a brutal one for the Seattle Seahawks. The 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings have them on the verge of elimination for next weekend, and their fate is no longer in their own hands. Being unable to return to the playoffs for the third time in the last four seasons would be a considerable disappointment, however, there are still aspects to the 2024 campaign that should give positive vibes moving forward.

On the top of such a list has to be wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who proved he can absolutely be a game-changing force for this offense. JSN truly emerged this year, and even found a way to make history despite the loss. With his 95 receiving yards against the Vikings, he officially eclipsed the 1,000+ yard mark. This makes him only the 10th player in Seahawks franchise history to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards in a single season.

I asked JSN about this incredible milestone, and he gave a thoughtful response.

“First off, I would like to thank God for feeling healthy, feeling good, being able to go out there and put that Seahawk helmet on,” JSN immediately stated. “It means a lot to me, and Geno too. I want to say thank you to Geno, and the rest of my teammates, receivers, getting me open, o-line doing their thing. Hopefully, it is just the beginning. 

Of course, no matter what kind of records JSN sets or milestones reached, nothing ever feels as good as winning. I’m sure the former Buckeye would trade a few extra yards for another win or two at this point in the year.

Seattle is still alive, but officially on life support. Should the Rams win this weekend against the Arizona Cardinals, the Seahawks will be all but eliminated.

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Seahawks OC Ryan Grubb admits team needs to get DK Metcalf the ball

Seahawks OC Ryan Grubb admits team needs to get DK Metcalf the ball

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf was an afterthought in last weekend’s blowout defeat to the Green Bay Packers. The former Ole Miss standout recorded just three receptions on three targets for 28 receiving yards. It was the fewest targets Metcalf has seen as a Seahawk since a 2022 game versus the Los Angeles Chargers. Speaking with the media on Thursday, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb admitted that needs to make a better effort forcing the ball to No. 14.

The issue with Grubb’s assessment is that consistently involving Metcalf in the passing attack has been an issue for all of November and December. The situation finally reached a boiling point versus the Packers. Metcalf deserves to be heavily featured against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

In September, Metcalf recorded three consecutive 100 receiving yard performances in Weeks 2 through 4. That was the last time the former second-round selection surpassed triple digits for the Seahawks in any game this season. In his eight appearances since, he’s averaging under 60 receiving yards per outing.

Meanwhile Jaxon Smith-Njigba has developed into Geno Smith’s go-to target. Metcalf hasn’t out-gained JSN since a mid-October blowout win over the Atlanta Falcons, approximately 60 calendar days ago. In fact, Smith-Njigba has led the Seahawks in receiving in seven consecutive games.

Metcalf has taken a backseat to JSN throughout 2024. Grubb indicates he’s aware that Metcalf deserves to be more involved. Expect Smith and Grubb to force-feed their slumping superstar wideout during Sunday’s big-time showdown with the Vikings on Sunday.

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3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks offense vs. Vikings in Week 16

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks offense vs. Vikings in Week 16

The Seattle Seahawks are facing a difficult Week 16 matchup against a Minnesota Vikings defense that’s allowing a fourth-best 18.0 points per contest. Ryan Grubb’s offense is looking to bounce back despite the sizable challenge after scoring 13 points and totaling just 208 yards of offense in a blowout primetime defeat to the Green Bay Packers. We’ve compiled three “Bold Predictions” for Sunday’s regular-season home finale versus the Vikings.

Geno Smith plays a turnover-free game

Starting quarterback Geno Smith threw a costly interception into the end-zone versus the Packers. The veteran quarterback has now thrown 14 touchdowns versus 13 interceptions, but Seahawks fans should appreciate him more after watching Sam Howell play in relief. Smith should be healthy enough to play on Sunday, and he’ll be placing extra emphasis on protecting the football against an opportunistic Vikings defense.

Zach Charbonnet plays, thrives

Kenneth Walker III was a full participant in Thursday’s practice. Meanwhile Zach Charbonnet was an unexpected addition to Wednesday’s injury report with an oblique issue. Friday afternoon’s practice and media session should deliver more clarity regarding Charbonnet’s game-day status. If Walker III has to carry the workload, expect the ex Michigan State standout to pick up where he left off as he prepares to return from a two-game absence.

Sataoa Laumea bounces back

Rookie right guard Sataoa Laumea really struggled versus the Packers. Pro Football Focus credited him with allowing an unfathomable 10 pressures in pass protection and one sack. The sixth-round interior offensive lineman should bounce back. The Vikings aren’t as deep at defensive tackle as the Packers are.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Packers on offense in Week 15

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Packers on offense in Week 15

The Seattle Seahawks were dismissed by the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football, losing 30-13. Ryan Grubb’s offense gained just 208 total yards and were limited to 13 measly points. Nonetheless, these three Seahawks were their highest-graded players on offense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 77.3

Jaxon Smith-Njigba continued his ascension as Geno Smith’s go-to target in the passing game. JSN posted team-highs in receptions (10), receiving yards (83), and targets (12). Smith-Njigba did the majority of his work underneath the coverage, averaging just 8.3 yards per catch, though he was on the receiving end of Seattle’s longest completion of the evening, a 25-yard gain in the passing game.

Charles Cross | 76.3

The Packers dominated the interior of the Seahawks’ makeshift offensive line, but Mike Macdonald’s bookend tackles held their own. Franchise left tackle Charles Cross was credited with allowing three pressures and one sack, posting an overall grade of 81.1 in pass protection. That was his second-best grade of the season in protection.

Abe Lucas | 73.8

Right tackle Abraham Lucas was Seattle’s third-highest graded offensive player at 73.8. He occasionally struggled in pass protection, allowing five pressures and two sacks, but was also dealing with a lackluster situation at right guard. Lucas was also a net positive in the running game, earning a grade of 79.7 in that department.

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3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks offense vs. Packers in Week 15

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks offense vs. Packers in Week 15

The Seattle Seahawks will host the Green Bay Packers at Lumen Field on Sunday Night Football in Week 15. Mike Macdonald’s squad is coming off a terrific 30-point showing in a comfortable victory over their NFC West rival Arizona Cardinals. We’ve compiled three bold predictions for the offense versus the Packers.

Zach Charbonnet shines again

Starting running back Kenneth Walker III missed his second consecutive practice on Thursday with an ongoing calf injury. In relief of Walker last Sunday against the Cardinals, Zach Charbonnet rushed for a career-high 134 yards and two touchdowns via 22 carries. Charbonnet could impress for a second consecutive week in a lead-back role.

DK Metcalf leads the passing offense

DK Metcalf has taken a backseat to Jaxon Smith-Njigba in recent weeks. JSN has been serving as Geno Smith’s go-to receiver in a breakout sophomore season. Metcalf has remained a steady performer, recording 49-plus receiving yards in five consecutive appearances. DK hasn’t scored a touchdown in four straight games, however. He’s due for a big-time showing.

Sataoa Luamea plays a quality game

Sixth-round rookie Sataoa Luamea will start his third straight game at right guard in place of the injured Anthony Bradford. The former Utah standout was steady in pass protection versus the Cardinals, allowing zero sacks and just one quarterback pressure. Luamea is attempting to continue his level of play against a Packers defensive line posting a 26th-ranked 35% pass-rush-win-rate (PRWR), per ESPN Stats & Info.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Cardinals on offense in Week 14

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Cardinals on offense in Week 14

The Seattle Seahawks strung together a complete performance in Sunday’s 30-18 Week 14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. The offense produced more than 400 yards of offense and completed nearly 50 percent of their third-down attempts. Analyzing the advanced metrics, these were Seattle’s three highest-graded players on offense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 84.1

Jaxon Smith-Njigba continues to be Seattle’s most effective wide receiver this season. JSN caught a first-quarter touchdown on the next play after linebacker Ernest Jones IV intercepted Kyler Murray. All in all, Smith-Njigba totaled a team-high 82 receiving yards and a score via five receptions. He averaged an explosive 16.4 yards per catch.

Zach Charbonnet | 80.4

Zach Charbonnet received an opportunity to lead the backfield after Kenneth Walker III was ruled out with a lower-leg injury. The former UCLA Bruin took full advantage of his opportunity, rushing for a career-high 134 yards and two touchdowns. Charbonnet was impactful in all phases, adding seven receptions for 59 receiving yards to his offensive totals.

Geno Smith | 79.2

Geno Smith was the architect of Seattle’s stellar offensive performance. The veteran quarterback was efficient, completing 24-of-30 passing attempts for 233 yards, one touchdown, and zero turnovers. Smith pulled the strings for a Ryan Grubb-coached offense that was firing on all cylinders.

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3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks offense vs. Cardinals in Week 14

3 Bold Predictions for Seahawks offense vs. Cardinals in Week 14

The Seattle Seahawks face a critical matchup against the Arizona Cardinals in Sunday’s Week 14 game. It’s a potentially decisive NFC West rematch after the Seahawks defeated the Cardinals 16-6 two weeks ago. Sunday’s outcome will have a drastic impact on the standings and postseason odds. Despite picking up the win, Seattle’s offense struggled against Arizona  in Week 12. We’ve compiled three bold predictions for the offense in Week 14.

Seahawks score more than one offensive TD

In the Week 12 victory over the Cardinals, the Seahawks offense took a 7-3 lead in the second quarter via a three-yard passing score from Geno Smith to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. That would be Seattle’s lone offensive score of the afternoon. Coby Bryant returned an interception for a 69-yard pick-six for Mike Macdonald’s second and final touchdown. Look for the Seahawks to enjoy more offensive success this time around.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba leads the WR room again

The Seahawks have won three consecutive games and Jaxon Smith-Njigba has led the offense in receptions and receiving yards in all of them. Superstar wide receiver DK Metcalf missed Thursday’s practice with a shoulder injury. With Metcalf’s status for Sunday legitimately hanging in the balance, expect JSN to continue operating as Smith’s go-to target.

Zach Charbonnet thrives

Running back Kenneth Walker III also missed Thursday’s practice with ankle and calf designations. Change-of-pace back Zach Charbonnet ranks second on the offense in touchdowns this season with six. Charbonnet took advantage of an expanded role versus the Cardinals if Walker is absent or even limited.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Jets on offense in Week 13

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Jets on offense in Week 13

The Seattle Seahawks outlasted the New York Jets on Sunday, winning their Week 13 contest 26-21. The offense struggled occasionally, but made enough game-changing plays to swing the result in their favor. The Seahawks gained just 16 first downs and 259 total yards. Analyzing the advanced metrics, these were Seattle’s three highest-graded players on offense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Geno Smith | 75.9

Smith was more of a game manager, completing 20 of 31 passing attempts for 206 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. He was sacked on just three occasions and did not commit a turnover. Smith’s lone touchdown pass went to tight end AJ Barner, helping eliminate a first-half 14-0 Jets lead.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba | 72.5

Sunday was arguably Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s most efficient performance of the entire season. JSN caught all four targets Smith threw his way, converting those opportunities to a team-high 74 receiving yards. The 22-year-old Smith-Njigba now ranks 11th in the entire league in that department with 829 yards, having already surpassed his rookie season output (628).

DK Metcalf | 71.0

DK Metcalf and Smith weren’t consistently on the same page, but his nine targets still resulted in four receptions for 66 receiving yards. Metcalf’s 30-yard reception was Seattle’s longest offensive gain of the afternoon. Seattle’s big-bodied dominant receiver was on the receiving end of double-team attention from Jeff Ulbrich’s secondary.

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Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba is having another monster game

Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba is having another monster game

The Seattle Seahawks have a bonafide star in the making with second-year wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The former Ohio State standout is on quite a heater lately. In his last two games, prior to Week 12, he had logged 17 receptions for 290 yards and two touchdowns.

Against the Arizona Cardinals today, he is not showing any signs of slowing down. JSN is leading the team in both receptions and receiving yards, hauling in all four passes tossed his way for 62-yards. Of his output thus far, 46 of his yards came on this massive screen pass to set the Seahawks up nicely at Arizona’s goal line.

Two plays later, JSN found his way into the end zone for his 64th reception of the season… which is now a career-best for the young stud.

Additionally, with 62 yards, JSN is over halfway there to making history. We wrote before the game started how if JSN reaches 100 yards through the air, he will join DK Metcalf as the only Seahawks to ever accomplish such a feat through three-straight games.

At the moment, Seattle leads Arizona 7-3 at the start of the third quarter. Be sure to follow @TheSeahawksWire and @KoleMusgrove23 for more highlights, analysis and updates.

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