Seattle Seahawks sophomore wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba converted nine targets into five receptions and 53 receiving yards in last Thursday’s Week 6 primetime defeat to the San Francisco 49ers. Smith-Njigba’s nine targets was the second-highest mark on the Seahawks, trailing just DK Metcalf’s 11, though Tyler Lockett and Kenneth Walker weren’t far behind at eight targets apiece.
It was the third-most targets Smith-Njigba has seen this campaign. The former Ohio State standout saw a career-high 16 targets against the New England Patriots in Week 2, and another 12 targets against the Detroit Lions in Week 4. Recent data indicates he perhaps should have been targeted even more than nine times versus the 49ers.
Smith-Njigba got open on 87.5% of his routes versus the 49ers. That led all receivers across Week 6, according to data collected by Pro Football Focus. PFF’s separation percentage measures how often a receiver defeats coverage. Smith-Njigba was open on seven of eight charted opportunities.
1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba – 87.5%
The best receivers at beating coverage to get open in Week 6:https://t.co/JQALKAPTft
— PFF SEA Seahawks (@PFF_Seahawks) October 16, 2024
Smith-Njigba currently ranks third on the Seahawks in receiving yards with 310, trailing Metcalf (469) and Lockett (339), though he ranks second in targets with 49, and first in receptions with 34. Starting quarterback Geno Smith has showcased trust in Smith-Njigba’s abilities this season.
Smith-Njigba’s breakout should continue against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
