The Seattle Seahawks are heading home feeling good after a 23-20 win over the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, but it wouldn’t have been possible without the performance of second-year wide receiver Jackson Smith-Njiba.
Smith-Njiva contributed to the win, recording a career-high 12 receptions for 117 yards and establishing himself as a force in the Seahawks’ offense, pleasing coach Mike McDonald.
“He’s a great player,” McDonald said after the game. “He’s got unbelievable handles. He’s great underneath. I think he’s an underrated deep threat. I think it was overtime and he kept the ball. He controlled the ball well in transition and kept the ball in key moments. That was impressive to me. So he’s a guy we’re going to rely on going forward. Yeah, he’s a great player.”
Smith-Njiba also received praise from teammate DK Metcalf, who also had a strong performance with 10 catches for 129 yards and a touchdown. It was the first time that two Seahawks receivers have eclipsed triple-digit receiving yards in a game since Tyler Lockett and Metcalf did it in 2022.
“He’s been unbelievable,” Metcalf said. “Every time the ball was thrown to him, he was catching it. And he’s a hard worker too. A special player, a special young player that’s going to take the league by storm.”
Now that the Seahawks are undefeated through two weeks, Smith-Njiva has solidified himself as a key member of the team. He’s been preparing for this moment and is thankful for the support he’s received.
“It means a lot,” Smith-Njiva said. “I’m just so grateful. Glory to God. Every time I step on the field I’m just grateful to be with my guys and to be a part of the Seahawks. Shout out to my family. A lot of people texted me today. I don’t know what it was, but they told me it was going to be a big day.”
Wins like this early in the season are what strengthen the bond, and the Seahawks came away with the victory even though they weren’t playing at their best. That camaraderie will come in handy as the season progresses and tougher matchups begin to appear, but Smith-Njiva and his teammates are more prepared for that moment because of their efforts in Foxborough.
