Jaxon Smith-Njigba isn’t just playing well; he is flat out leading the entire NFL with 583 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, and against Denver, the Seahawks are going to need every single one of those yards and more. We’re talking about a guy who is absolutely lighting it up in the early part of the season, and if this team wants to find some momentum, JSN is the key.
JSN: The Third-Down Answer We’re Desperate For
Look, the truth hurts sometimes, and right now, our third-down conversion rate is a gut punch. We’re only converting 29.8 percent of our third downs, which puts us among the bottom five in the entire league. That’s just brutal. But then you look at Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and he is a constant. This dude has caught at least five passes in all five games this season. He went for five catches, 102 yards, and a touchdown against the 49ers on October 11, which was a huge bright spot in a tough loss. Even better, remember that September 27 game at Washington? Fourteen targets, ten catches, 128 yards, and two touchdowns! That’s the kind of production an offense stalling on third downs absolutely needs to supply the yards we’re not getting on schedule. Denver’s pass defense gives up 202.2 passing yards per game, so there’s an opportunity for JSN to keep cooking.
Darnold’s Deep Shots Come With High Stakes
Now, let’s talk about Sam Darnold. The loss to San Francisco on October 11 saw him throw two interceptions. He completed 18 of 29 passes for 195 yards and one touchdown that day, and honestly, those two giveaways just can’t happen again. Losing possessions like that? We simply cannot afford it. His season line overall is 755 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and five interceptions. It’s a mixed bag, right? We know he has the ability, like when he dropped 379 yards and four touchdowns at Washington on September 27. But Denver’s defensive line? They’re no joke. They’ve got 13.0 sacks as a team already, with Zach Allen grabbing 4.0 of those himself. That’s a pass rush that gets home and punishes mistakes. Sam has to protect the ball. On our side, the Seahawks’ defense is only allowing 150.8 passing yards per game and has seven interceptions, so we know every target from Bo Nix to guys like Courtland Sutton (who has 11 catches for 104 yards and one touchdown through five games, including a 27-yard long against the Rams) carries risk for them, too. Denver, by the way, also struggles on third downs, converting only 33.8 percent, which is among the bottom ten.
This game against the Broncos is huge. Both teams are trying to build some early season momentum. We’re looking to bounce back after that tough loss to the 49ers, and Denver is coming off a narrow win over the Chargers. Can Sam Darnold minimize mistakes and get JSN the ball? That’s what it all comes down to in the Mile High City.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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