Jaxon Smith-Njigba absolutely went off on Sunday, not just racking up a touchdown, but straight-up schooling Kansas City Chiefs rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane, the sixth overall selection in April’s NFL Draft. Our star wideout had his way with the entire Chiefs defense, and Delane was right there on the receiving end of JSN’s brilliance. This wasn’t just a play; it was a statement.
JSN Puts Delane Through Rookie Purgatory
Just before halftime, Sam Darnold found Smith-Njigba for a touchdown, a play that saw JSN go directly against Delane. It wasn’t just a simple catch either. Our guy craftily beat Delane, demonstrating that savvy route-running he’s known for. And then, the next-level thinking: Smith-Njigba correctly anticipated how to hold the ball to prevent the rookie from even getting a chance to force a fumble. That’s veteran awareness from a guy still in his early years, making a top-tier draft pick look like he was a step behind. It was a tough lesson for Delane, who performed admirably early in his career, but our Seahawks brought the heat.
Delane’s Respect For JSN Speaks Volumes
You know JSN is special when the guy he just beat acknowledges it. Before Wednesday’s practice, Delane himself called it a “learning experience.” He admitted that few NFL playmakers match Smith-Njigba’s talent. Delane noted, “He’s a savvy receiver. On TV, it may look like you should just do this or that, but then you line up across from him and see how it is. He’s a good player. He’s going to make plays. There’re definitely things I could have done better.” That’s a massive compliment from a guy who just got torched, showing the respect JSN commands even from opponents. Delane even added that facing elite receivers like JSN “really just prepares me,” acknowledging that “they’re going to win some. You’re going to win some.”
Not Shying Away, But JSN Still The Measuring Stick
Here’s the kicker: Delane isn’t letting this get to him. He’s reportedly asking his defensive coordinator to put him in “tough situations.” He told Coach Spagnuolo, “Man, put me in those tough situations. I’m not asking for a cloud. I’m not asking for cover two. Go back out there and play man and that’s what we did.” That’s the mindset of a competitor, even if Smith-Njigba was the one teaching the lessons this past Sunday. Delane believes Spagnuolo still has “ultimate confidence” in him to guard “arguably one of the best receivers in the league,” which again, just highlights where Jaxon Smith-Njigba stands in the eyes of the league. Delane is committed to picking one thing to improve each week.
What does this mean for our Hawks? It means Jaxon Smith-Njigba is cementing his place as an absolute problem for defenses, already schooling top-tier talent. That touchdown from Sam Darnold against the Chiefs’ sixth overall pick? That’s a huge statement early in the season for JSN and our Seahawks. Keep watching number 11, Seattle, because he’s only going to keep getting better, and we’ll be here for every single highlight. Go Hawks!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Arrowhead Pride.
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