The Seattle Seahawks are facing division rivals the Arizona Cardinals, with Mike MacDonald’s team looking to move to 3-1 on the season.
A big part of their offense has been Jaxon Smith-Njigba through three weeks, as No. 11 has posted 323 yards and a touchdown from 22 receptions, so it would be easy to think that he would have a big role to play on Thursday Night Football, right?
Well, not exactly.
In the first quarter, Smith-Njigba wasn’t targeted once on Sam Darnold’s six attempts, with Jaxon being a non-factor in the passing game. Plus, he only had a two-yard rush in the first quarter, as the Cardinals’ defense did a great job of taking Darnold’s top weapon away.
Given that Smith-Njigba had posted at least five receptions and 96 yards per game through the first three weeks, not having a catch in the first quarter is a little odd.
More: Is Cooper Kupp playing tonight? Why Seahawks WR is off to quiet start vs. Cardinals
Smith-Njigba crucial to Seahawks’ offense
Taking over from DK Metcalf, who is now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Smith-Njigba has been in blistering early-season form, posting yards totals of 124, 103, and 96 yards before his goose egg in the first quarter against the Cardinals.
We imagine that Seattle offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak will want to get his top weapon involved far more than he was in the first quarter.
If the Seahawks are to move to 3-1 on the season, then Smith-Njigba is going to have to have a big say in proceedings, and we expect Darnold to look his way, and often as the game goes on.
More Seahawks news:
