Seahawks’ Smith-Njiba Sets Franchise Record in Win

The Seattle Seahawks secured their eighth win of the season on Sunday, with standout receiver Jackson Smith-Njiba playing a crucial role once again.

This time, however, Smith-Njiba not only contributed to the victory but also made Seahawks history. The second-year player out of Ohio State broke the franchise record for receiving yards in a single season, amassing a total of 167 yards during the 30-24 win.

Heading into the game, Smith-Njiba needed just 150 yards to surpass DK Metcalf’s previous record of 1,303 yards, set in 2020. After connecting with Sam Darnold for a stunning 63-yard touchdown in the second quarter, it became clear that Smith-Njiba was on track to break the record within just his eleventh game of the season.

With his third-quarter performance, he not only reached the target but is also likely to considerably increase his total, especially with six games left in the regular season.

During his rookie season in 2024, Smith-Njiba showcased his potential with 100 receptions, 1,130 yards, and six touchdowns. Yet questions loomed this year regarding how the offense would adapt after Geno Smith’s trade to the Las Vegas Raiders. Darnold has since proven to be a remarkable fit within Clint Kubiak’s offense, and Smith-Njiba appears ready to achieve career highs in both touchdowns and receiving yards.

Interestingly, Metcalf was traded during the offseason, partly due to Smith-Njiba’s rise as a premier receiving option. Additionally, the Seahawks have confirmed that Smith-Njiba now ranks fifth for the most receiving yards through the first 11 games of a season in the Super Bowl era, surpassing the legendary Julio Jones.

The Titans, led by first overall pick Cam Ward, kept the game competitive until the end, with Chaimea Dike catching a touchdown in the fourth quarter, narrowing the gap to just six points. However, Seattle’s consistently solid defense ultimately sealed their victory.

In this game, Smith-Njiba ended with two touchdowns, while teammates like Zach Charbonnet contributed with a rushing score. Looking ahead, Smith-Njiba will aim to enhance his record when the Seahawks face the Minnesota Vikings at home next Sunday.