In the lead-up to the 2024 season, many questioned whether Jaxon Smith-Njigba could replicate the success of his breakout 1,000-yard campaign, especially with quarterback Sam Darnold under center and the departures of key veterans like D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Despite increased defensive attention and playing opposite Cooper Kupp, who had battled injuries in recent years with the Los Angeles Rams, Smith-Njigba surpassed expectations, guiding the Seattle Seahawks to a highly anticipated clash against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60.
Smith-Njigba’s exceptional third year saw him set new Seahawks records with 1,793 receiving yards and 119 receptions during the regular season, achievements that earned him the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year award. Standing 6-foot and weighing 197 pounds, the wide receiver put up nine games with over 100 receiving yards and continued his dominant form in the playoffs. In the critical NFC championship game against the Rams, Smith-Njigba caught 10 passes for 153 yards and scored a touchdown, key to Seattle’s 31-27 victory.
Cooper Kupp also played a vital support role in the playoffs, helping ease pressure on Smith-Njigba by contributing nine catches for 96 yards and a touchdown, underscoring the dynamic passing offense Seattle has built.
Seahawks’ Balanced Offensive Attack
While Smith-Njigba’s receiving prowess has taken center stage, the Seahawks’ offense has not solely depended on the passing game. Running back Kenneth Walker III gained momentum in the latter part of the season and has been crucial in Seattle’s playoff push. Walker surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the first time since his rookie year, finishing the regular season with 1,027 yards. He has continued his high-level performance in the postseason with a 4.7-yard average per carry, scoring four touchdowns on the ground and catching all seven passes targeted to him for 78 yards.
The team faces a setback with the absence of Zach Charbonnet, a reserve running back who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the divisional playoff round against the San Francisco 49ers. Charbonnet had led the Seahawks with 12 rushing touchdowns this season, becoming the first Seahawks player since Marshawn Lynch in 2014 to rush for double-digit touchdowns in a single campaign.
Wide receiver and return specialist Rashid Shaheed provides an additional threat with his speed and ability to score on special teams, boasting three return touchdowns this season, including the playoffs. Tight end AJ Barner, in his second year, contributed reliably with a career-high six regular-season touchdowns and has caught over 76% of the passes aimed his way, making him a dependable target for Darnold.
Defensive Strength Anchors Seattle’s Success
Seattle’s defense stands out as one of the strongest in the NFL this season. Allowing only 17.2 points per game, the Seahawks ranked among the league’s elite in defensive performance, finishing within the top seven in both sacks and interceptions. Their success is especially pronounced in the front seven, where defensive linemen Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II each recorded seven sacks in the regular season, alongside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu, who matched that total. Williams added another sack during the playoffs, further bolstering Seattle’s defensive pressure.
Linebacker Ernest Jones IV has been a key playmaker, tying for second-most interceptions in the NFL during the regular season with five, and he has added another interception in the postseason, emphasizing Seattle’s knack for creating turnovers at critical moments.
Seahawks’ Special Teams and Key Contributors
Special teams have been a vital component of Seattle’s overall mix, with the unit scoring five touchdowns including the 2026 playoffs—four of those coming on return plays. These game-changing moments have provided the Seahawks with momentum in tight contests throughout the season.
Veteran kicker Jason Myers had a record-breaking year, setting the NFL single-season scoring mark with 171 points, surpassing David Akers’ previous record of 166. Punter Michael Dickson also received honors as a second-team AP All-Pro in his eighth year in the league, showcasing the consistency of Seattle’s special teams unit.
Integral to these successes is Rashid Shaheed, whose explosive speed makes him a constant threat in the return game. There is anticipation that Shaheed could make history by becoming the first player to return a punt for a touchdown in a Super Bowl.
What Lies Ahead for Seattle and Smith-Njigba
As the Seahawks prepare to face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60, Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s rise to stardom marks a defining moment for Seattle’s offense. His record-setting regular season and clutch playoff performances have proven pivotal in Seattle’s title bid. The team’s balanced offense, stout defense, and dynamic special teams unit collectively create a formidable challenge for their opponents.
The outcome of the Super Bowl could cement Smith-Njigba’s place among the NFL’s elite players and potentially kick off a new era of Seahawks dominance. Seahawks fans and analysts worldwide will be watching closely to see if this combination of emerging talent and veteran experience can deliver the ultimate prize.
