Jaxon Smith-Njigba provided one of the few bright spots on what was a tough day for the Seahawks offense, leading the team with 10 catches for 83 yards in Sunday's loss to the Packers.
And as has been the case throughout this season, the second-year receiver did a lot his damage working from the slot. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Smith-Njigba caught all six of his targets from slot alignments, accounting for 59 of his 83 yards.
With 994 receiving yards, Smith-Njigba is on the cusp of his first 1,000-yard season, and he currently ranks sixth in the NFL in receiving yards. And his 826 receiving yards from the slot are the most in the NFL by a significant margin, leading No. 2 in that category, Chargers rookie Ladd McConkey, by 263 yards. Smith-Njigba also leads the league targets (91), receptions (67) and routes run (421) from the slot this season.
Smith-Njigba has led the Seahawks in receiving yards in each of the past seven games, and since Week 9, he has the second most receptions over expected (+7.5) and second highest catch rate (80.8) among receivers with a minimum of 30 targets over that span.
"This guy has been making plays since we walked in the door," Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said. "There is a reason we drafted him in the first round last year. I can't speak to last year, but this guy is a dynamite player. He just brings it every day. He's the guy that we thought he was. He's playing great; doing a great job."
Seahawks Legend Jon Ryan was selected to raise the 12 Flag prior to kickoff of the Seahawks vs. Packers Week 15 matchup at Lumen Field on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
Seahawks Legend Jon Ryan raises the 12 Flag before the Seahawks face the Green Bay Packers for their Week 15 matchup at Lumen Field on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
Seahawks Legend Jon Ryan raises the 12 Flag before the Seahawks face the Green Bay Packers for their Week 15 matchup at Lumen Field on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
Seahawks Legend Jon Ryan raises the 12 Flag before the Seahawks face the Green Bay Packers for their Week 15 matchup at Lumen Field on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
Seahawks Legend Jon Ryan raises the 12 Flag before the Seahawks face the Green Bay Packers for their Week 15 matchup at Lumen Field on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
Seahawks Legend Jon Ryan raises the 12 Flag before the Seahawks face the Green Bay Packers for their Week 15 matchup at Lumen Field on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
Seahawks Legend Jon Ryan raises the 12 Flag before the Seahawks face the Green Bay Packers for their Week 15 matchup at Lumen Field on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
Seahawks Legend Jon Ryan raises the 12 Flag before the Seahawks face the Green Bay Packers for their Week 15 matchup at Lumen Field on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
Seahawks Legend Jon Ryan raises the 12 Flag before the Seahawks face the Green Bay Packers for their Week 15 matchup at Lumen Field on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
Seahawks Legend Jon Ryan raises the 12 Flag before the Seahawks face the Green Bay Packers for their Week 15 matchup at Lumen Field on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
Seahawks Legend Jon Ryan raises the 12 Flag before the Seahawks face the Green Bay Packers for their Week 15 matchup at Lumen Field on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
Seahawks Legend Jon Ryan raises the 12 Flag before the Seahawks face the Green Bay Packers for their Week 15 matchup at Lumen Field on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
Seahawks Legend Jon Ryan raises the 12 Flag before the Seahawks face the Green Bay Packers for their Week 15 matchup at Lumen Field on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
Seahawks Legend Jon Ryan raises the 12 Flag before the Seahawks face the Green Bay Packers for their Week 15 matchup at Lumen Field on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
Seahawks Legend Jon Ryan raises the 12 Flag before the Seahawks face the Green Bay Packers for their Week 15 matchup at Lumen Field on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
Seahawks Legend Jon Ryan raises the 12 Flag before the Seahawks face the Green Bay Packers for their Week 15 matchup at Lumen Field on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
Seahawks Legend Jon Ryan raises the 12 Flag before the Seahawks face the Green Bay Packers for their Week 15 matchup at Lumen Field on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
