The Seattle Seahawks are in the midst of a season marked by significant change. The most notable shift came at the top, with the team moving on from long-time head coach Pete Carroll and hiring rookie Mike Macdonald. This transition, from the league’s oldest coach to its youngest, is part of a broader youth movement that began with the Russell Wilson trade.
One key player in the Seahawks’ future is second-year wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who is enjoying a breakout year in the NFL. Three weeks ago, JSN had a standout performance, racking up 180 yards and two touchdowns against the LA Rams while DK Metcalf was sidelined. Since then, he’s followed up with impressive outings, including 10 catches for 110 yards and 6 catches for 77 yards with another touchdown.
With JSN’s growing role, there’s a sense that he could be emerging as the Seahawks’ top wide receiver, at least in terms of targets. But if Metcalf feels any jealousy, he’s not showing it. In a recent Bleacher Report interview, DK had this to say about JSN’s rise:
“He’s been a star since the day he was drafted… It was just a matter of time before his star started to shine in the league like it did in college.”
Despite a notable incident with Tre Brown during training camp, where Metcalf took a swing at Brown with a helmet, he has largely been seen as a strong teammate, particularly toward other wide receivers.
This week, with both Metcalf and Tyler Lockett listed as DNPs for the first two days of practice, it seemed possible that JSN could step into an even bigger role. However, both Metcalf and Lockett were cleared to play against the New York Jets, and neither carries an injury designation. If JSN leads the team in targets again, it will mark the fourth consecutive game he’s done so.
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