In a Nov. 10 team mailbag, Seahawks senior reporter John Boyle said the offence should limit its reliance on Jaxon Smith-Njigba because of his heavy workload.
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Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba has become the focal point of the Seahawks passing attack, but Seahawks senior reporter John Boyle cautioned in a Nov. 10 team mailbag that there is a limit to how much the offence should depend on him.
Boyle pointed to Smith-Njigba’s usage, saying the receiver has recorded 99 targets through nine games—“the second-highest total in the league.” Boyle also noted that while the volume stands out, Seattle ranks 20th in total pass attempts, making repeated looks to one player a strategic risk.
According to Boyle, consistently throwing into heavy coverage could increase the likelihood of turnovers. He also emphasized the importance of keeping the team’s top offensive weapon healthy in a 17-game season.
Boyle’s concern is tied to Smith-Njigba’s production so far this season: the receiver has 71 receptions for 1,036 yards and nine touchdowns through nine games. Boyle said Smith-Njigba leads the NFL in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
The mailbag also referenced recent performances. In Seattle’s 17-3 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 8, Smith-Njigba caught seven passes for 51 yards. Boyle contrasted that with a six-catch, 118-yard performance against the Chicago Bears.
Boyle further noted that Smith-Njigba accounted for more than half of Seattle’s receiving yards through Week 8, and said opposing defences can key in when they know where the ball is going, increasing the need for other reliable targets.
Seattle has looked for options beyond its star, with veteran Cooper Kupp and Rashid Shaheed among the experienced receivers. Shaheed, however, has battled a knee injury, and rookie running back Jadarian Price contributed against Arizona by catching four passes for 54 yards.
Boyle also pointed to the passing challenge created by quarterback availability, with Drew Lock expected to start again on Sunday against Las Vegas while Sam Darnold continues recovering from quadriceps and rib injuries. Boyle said Smith-Njigba remains the most reliable option regardless of quarterback.
Finally, Boyle said Seattle made no additional trades Tuesday, leaving the current group to carry the offence into the second half of the season.
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