Jaxon Smith-Njigba‘s 123-Yard Explosion Leads Seahawks to 27-19 Win Over Texans, Tops NFL in 100-Yard Receiving Games
In a thrilling NFL matchup that showcased emerging talent and gritty defense, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba etched his name deeper into the league’s record books. With eight receptions for 123 receiving yards and a crucial touchdown, Smith-Njigba not only powered his team to a 27-19 victory over the Houston Texans but also claimed his league-leading fifth 100-yard receiving game of the season. This performance, coming in Week 10 of the NFL schedule, has fans and analysts buzzing about the second-year pro’s meteoric rise.
The game, played under the lights at Lumen Field in Seattle, was a testament to the Seattle Seahawks‘ resurgence under head coach Mike Macdonald. Trailing early, the Seahawks flipped the script in the second half, leaning on Smith-Njigba’s explosive plays to outpace a Texans offense led by rookie sensation C.J. Stroud. As the crowd roared, Smith-Njigba’s stat line solidified his status as one of the NFL‘s most dynamic receivers, drawing comparisons to legends like Jerry Rice in his prime for his route-running precision and big-play ability.
Smith-Njigba, drafted 20th overall in 2023 out of Ohio State, has transformed from a promising rookie hampered by injuries into a cornerstone of Seattle’s passing attack. His 123 yards on the night included a 45-yard bomb that set up a field goal and his touchdown catch—a slick slant route that left Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. grasping at air. “It’s all about trust in the system and my quarterback,” Smith-Njigba said post-game, flashing a grin that belied his competitive fire. “Gen [Geno Smith] puts the ball where only I can get it, and the O-line gives us time to make it happen.”
Smith-Njigba’s Route Mastery Ignites Seahawks Offense
From the opening snap, it was clear that Jaxon Smith-Njigba was dialed in. His first catch—a quick out route for 12 yards—set the tone, but it was his third-quarter heroics that truly lit up the stat sheet. With the Seattle Seahawks nursing a slim lead, quarterback Geno Smith targeted his go-to receiver on a deep post, threading the needle for a 38-yard gain that positioned the team for their go-ahead score. This play exemplified Smith-Njigba’s growth; last season, he managed just 63 catches for 628 yards due to a wrist injury, but in 2024, he’s on pace for over 1,200 receiving yards, a mark that would shatter his rookie totals.
Statistically, Smith-Njigba’s efficiency stands out. He boasts a 75% catch rate this season, converting 28 of his 42 targets into first downs. Against the Houston Texans, his eight grabs came on just 10 targets, underscoring his reliability. Seahawks offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who coached Smith-Njigba at Washington before jumping to the pros, praised his versatility: “JSN runs every route like it’s his last. He’s not just fast; he’s smart. That IQ lets him exploit zones and man coverage alike.” Grubb’s scheme, which emphasizes motion and pre-snap reads, has unlocked Smith-Njigba’s potential, making him the focal point of an offense that ranks seventh in the NFL for passing yards per game at 245.3.
Delving deeper, Smith-Njigba’s performance against Houston highlighted his physicality. At 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, he shrugged off jams at the line and broke tackles for extra yards after catch (YAC). He racked up 45 YAC on the night, per Next Gen Stats, tying for the game’s high. This yards-after-catch prowess stems from his college days, where he led the Big Ten with 1,606 receiving yards in 2022. Now, in the NFL, he’s adapting that college explosiveness to pro defenses, forcing coordinators like DeMeco Ryans to game-plan specifically for him—a rarity for a sophomore receiver.
The Texans’ secondary, bolstered by offseason additions, was supposed to contain Seattle’s pass game, but Smith-Njigba exposed their weaknesses. Stingley, a first-round pick in 2022, was beaten four times on the night, allowing 89 yards in coverage. Houston’s pass rush, led by Will Anderson Jr., generated pressure on 42% of dropbacks, yet Geno Smith evaded sacks and found his receiver in stride. This synergy has propelled the Seattle Seahawks to a 6-3 record, positioning them as contenders in the NFC West.
Fifth 100-Yard Outburst Cements JSN’s NFL Receiving Lead
Jaxon Smith-Njigba‘s fifth 100-yard game isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a league benchmark. No other receiver in the NFL has hit the century mark five times through 10 weeks, edging out stars like Tyreek Hill (four) and CeeDee Lamb (four). His season totals now stand at 58 receptions for 792 receiving yards and six touchdowns, averaging an eye-popping 13.7 yards per catch. This pace projects to 95 catches, 1,300 yards, and 10 scores—numbers that would earn him Pro Bowl consideration and perhaps All-Pro honors.
Breaking down his 100-yard games: The first came in Week 2 against the Broncos, a 108-yard affair that included two scores. Week 4’s 132-yard demolition of the Lions featured a game-winning touchdown. Against the Giants in Week 6, he torched them for 115 yards, and his Week 8 battle with the Falcons yielded 101. Now, the Texans join the list, victims of his precision. Each outing has built on the last, with Smith-Njigba refining his releases and adjustments mid-route. Analysts note his air yards per target (10.2) is up 15% from last year, signaling deeper threats that stretch defenses thin.
In the broader NFL context, Smith-Njigba’s surge comes amid a receiver renaissance. The league’s passing explosion—teams averaging 225 yards per game—benefits route technicians like him. Compared to peers, his drop rate is a minuscule 2.1%, per Pro Football Focus, and he’s forced 12 missed tackles this season. Seahawks GM John Schneider, who scouted him heavily pre-draft, reflected: “We knew JSN had ‘it’—that separator ability. Seeing him lead the league in these games validates everything.” This leadership in receiving yards milestones positions Seattle’s offense as unpredictable, forcing opponents to respect the pass even on early downs.
Yet, challenges loom. Smith-Njigba has faced double-teams in 28% of snaps, per tracking data, which could cap his targets if defenses adjust. Still, his chemistry with Geno Smith—targeted 112 times, leading the team—ensures he’s the primary option. As the Seattle Seahawks eye the playoffs, Smith-Njigba’s consistency could be the X-factor in a conference stacked with firepower.
Seahawks Defense Stifles Texans’ Stroud in Key Stops
While Jaxon Smith-Njigba stole the spotlight offensively, the Seattle Seahawks defense deserves credit for the win, holding the Houston Texans to 19 points—their lowest output since Week 5. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year, completed 22 of 35 passes for 247 yards and a touchdown but was sacked four times and intercepted once. Seahawks edge rushers Boye Mafe and Darrell Taylor combined for three sacks, disrupting Houston’s rhythm and limiting them to 3.8 yards per carry on the ground.
A pivotal sequence came late in the third quarter: After Smith-Njigba’s touchdown put Seattle up 24-13, the defense forced a three-and-out, with safety Julian Love picking off Stroud on a tipped pass. This turnover setup a field goal, extending the lead to 11. Houston’s offense, which entered averaging 26.4 points per game, sputtered against Seattle’s zone schemes, converting just 4 of 12 third downs. Linebacker Tyrel Dodson led with 11 tackles, including a run stuff that halted a Texans drive at midfield.
Defensive coordinator Aden Durde’s aggressive blitz packages pressured Stroud into hurried throws, resulting in a 58.4 passer rating—his worst of the season. The Texans, now 5-4, struggled without injured running back Joe Mixon, managing only 78 rushing yards. Seattle’s secondary, anchored by cornerback Riq Woolen (acquired via trade), blanketed receivers like Nico Collins, who was held to 62 yards. “We knew Stroud was special, but our preparation paid off,” Woolen said. “Disrupting the pocket changes everything.” This defensive stand not only secured the victory but boosted Seattle’s turnover differential to +5, tying for third in the NFL.
Looking at team stats, the Seahawks rank 12th in points allowed (20.1 per game), a marked improvement from last year’s 23.6. Their ability to complement an explosive offense with timely stops has been key to their hot streak, winning four of five. Against Houston, they forced two punts in the red zone, showcasing red-zone efficiency that’s league-best at 45% denial rate.
Game-Changing Plays Define Seattle’s Edge Over Houston
The 27-19 final score belies the drama of this NFL clash. Early on, the Houston Texans struck first with a 28-yard field goal, capitalizing on a Seahawks penalty. But Seattle responded with a 75-yard drive capped by Kenneth Walker III’s 5-yard run, tying it at 7-7. Jaxon Smith-Njigba‘s influence peaked in the second quarter, hauling in a 22-yard touchdown on third-and-8, giving Seattle a 14-10 halftime lead.
Post-intermission, momentum swung decisively. Geno Smith’s 18-yard scramble set up Walker’s second score, a 12-yard burst, while the defense’s interception swung field position. Houston clawed back with a Stroud-to-Tank Dell touchdown, but Seattle’s final drive—fueled by Smith-Njigba’s 30-yard catch—sealed it with a Jason Myers field goal. Key stats: Seattle controlled time of possession 32:14 to 27:46, and their third-down conversion rate hit 50% (8-for-16).
Standout moments included a controversial pass interference call on Houston that extended a Seahawks drive and a blocked extra point by Seattle that kept the score tight. Attendance at Lumen Field topped 68,000, with fans chanting “JSN!” after his big grabs. For the Texans, defensive lapses—allowing 378 total yards—highlighted areas for growth, especially with a tough schedule ahead including the Jets and Ravens.
In player matchups, Smith-Njigba vs. Stingley was electric, with the Seahawk winning decisively. Geno Smith finished 24-for-32 for 268 yards and two scores, his best against Houston since 2022. Walker added 84 rushing yards, balancing the attack. This win improves Seattle’s home record to 4-1, a stark contrast to Houston’s 1-3 road mark.
Playoff Push Intensifies: JSN and Seahawks Eye NFC Contention
As the Seattle Seahawks savor this victory, the horizon looks promising. At 6-3, they trail the 49ers by one game in the NFC West, with a favorable remaining schedule featuring winnable games against the Cardinals and Rams. Jaxon Smith-Njigba‘s continued dominance in receiving yards could propel Seattle into wildcard contention, especially if they maintain defensive intensity. Projections from ESPN’s Football Power Index give them a 65% playoff shot, up from 52% pre-game.
For Smith-Njigba personally, whispers of MVP candidacy aren’t far-fetched if he sustains this form. His next test: a Week 11 showdown with the 49ers, where containing him could decide the division. Seahawks brass are already discussing a contract extension, viewing him as the franchise’s future. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans regroup for a must-win against the Jets, hoping to rebound from this setback. In the ever-competitive NFL, performances like Smith-Njigba’s remind us why football captivates: raw talent meeting opportunity, one explosive play at a time.
With the season halfway done, Seattle’s blend of youth and experience positions them for a deep run. Fans are left wondering: How high can JSN soar, and can the Seahawks finally break through in the playoffs? The answers lie in the weeks ahead, but for now, this win over Houston feels like a turning point.
