SEATTLE (AP) — In an unexpected twist during a crucial game, Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerged as a highlight for the Seattle Seahawks, catching the attention of both teammates and fans. The relatively reserved wide receiver, who has been making impressive strides this season, celebrated his fourth touchdown catch in an eye-catching manner.
Late in the first quarter, following an 11-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Sam Darnold, Smith-Njigba showcased his flair by dunking the football on the goalpost. Despite incurring an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, his charisma contributed to the Seahawks’ 27-19 victory over the Houston Texans on Monday night.
“That was a spontaneous moment for sure,” Smith-Njigba noted. “I definitely grew up admiring some of my favorite players do that, but it was an on-the-spot decision.”
With a total of eight receptions for 123 yards, Smith-Njigba not only continued to lead the NFL in receiving yards but also notched his fifth 100-yard receiving game of the season. This performance made him the second player in franchise history to achieve three consecutive 100-yard games, tying for the second-most in a single season for any Seahawks player.
His teammate, Cooper Kupp, who was the 2021 AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year, praised Smith-Njigba’s work ethic. “What he’s doing isn’t routine at all,” Kupp emphasized. “It’s incredibly challenging and requires immense effort. That should be the benchmark for excellence.”
The Seahawks’ Offensive Performance
While Smith-Njigba’s performance sparkled, the Seahawks faced challenges against the Texans’ top-rated scoring defense. Seattle initially struck first when running back Zach Charbonnet powered in for a one-yard touchdown on their second drive, marking a 7-0 score.
This scoring opportunity was aided by linebacker Uchenna Nwosu’s significant play, where he sacked Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud for an 18-yard loss. Nwosu’s effort is noted as the third-longest sack in Seahawks history and came after he dealt with injuries in both 2023 and 2024.
Charbonnet later added another touchdown from two yards out in the third quarter, putting the Seahawks ahead 27-12.
Conversely, Houston made its move when Darnold was strip-sacked in his own end zone, leading to a touchdown for the Texans after a recovery by edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. However, Houston couldn’t capitalize on a two-point conversion attempt.
“Ultimately, I’ve got to protect the football better,” Darnold admitted. “I need to get it out of my hands.”
The Texans managed just one offensive touchdown via a four-yard pass from Stroud to running back Woody Marks, narrowing the score late in the game. Stroud acknowledged the defense’s role, saying, “Our defense kept us competitive throughout; we need to find ways to contribute offensively.”
Defensive Highlights
Linebacker Ernest Jones IV also had a standout performance, achieving a career-high with his third interception of the season during the Texans’ first drive of the third quarter. He returned the pick 28 yards after intercepting a pass intended for Nico Collins. “I didn’t see the ball until the last second, so I’m just glad I managed to make the catch,” Jones reflected.
His defensive efforts included a game-high 11 total tackles, making him a key figure for Seattle’s defense. “He’s crucial for us,” said defensive end Leonard Williams III. “He plays a vital role in maintaining the defense’s composure and teamwork.”
Houston’s Offensive Struggles
The Texans’ offensive line struggled, allowing Stroud to be sacked three times and hit on seven occasions during the game. This season, Stroud has faced 18 sacks over seven games, which is an improvement over the previous year’s 52 sacks in 17 games but still concerning.
Right tackle Tytus Howard acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, emphasizing the need for improved energy and focus. “We didn’t start the game with the intensity we should have,” he stated, echoing sentiments from head coach DeMeco Ryans about a lackluster performance by the offensive line.
Making the Most of Home Field
With Monday’s win, the Seahawks improved their home record to 2-2. Last year, the team experienced significant struggle at Lumen Field, finishing with a 3-6 record, including several double-digit losses. However, in the previous season, Seattle boasted a remarkable 7-1 on the road.
Heading into the next season, head coach Mike Macdonald is optimistic about capitalizing on their home-field advantage, particularly given the passionate support from fans. “The atmosphere at Lumen Field was electric,” he remarked. “Our fans made a tremendous impact, which really lifted us.”
Injury Report
For the Seahawks, wide receiver Dareke Young sustained a hip injury during the second half and did not return. The team also played without linebacker Derick Hall and two key defensive backs, Julian Love and Devon Witherspoon. Meanwhile, the Texans evaluated their leading receiver, Nico Collins, for a concussion, while other notable absences included wide receiver Christian Kirk and running back Dameon Pierce.
Looking Ahead
The Texans are set to host the San Francisco 49ers next Sunday, while the Seahawks will take a break before heading to Washington on November 2.
