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Seahawks Count on Record‑Setting Smith‑Njigba Ahead of 49ers Playoff Clash

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Smith‑Njigba Shatters Seattle Receiving Records He finished the regular season with 1,793 receiving yards and 119 catches, both franchise single‑season highs, placing him among the league’s elite and earning first‑team All‑Pro honors from the Associated Press. His production helped Seattle secure a playoff berth as the NFC West runner‑up. The record‑breaking totals underscore his role as the team’s primary offensive weapon [1].

Baseball Background Enhances Route‑Running Precision Growing up in Rockwall, Texas, Smith‑Njigba played shortstop and chased fly balls, a habit he says refined his hand‑eye coordination and route‑running. He credits those baseball drills for his ability to track deep passes and adjust routes on the fly. Coaches noted his early multi‑sport experience contributed to his consistency in contested catches [1].

Teammates Praise Calm Leadership Style Quarterback Drew Lock described Smith‑Njigba as “even‑keeled,” noting he remains composed whether targeted heavily or not. Safety Rashid Shaheed called him a “captain‑type presence” who prioritizes winning and staying on the field. The locker‑room consensus highlights his steady demeanor as a catalyst for team cohesion during the season [1].

Seahawks Enter Divisional Playoff Targeting Continued Production Seattle prepares to face the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC divisional round. Coaching staff expects Smith‑Njigba to translate his regular‑season dominance into postseason impact. The matchup will test whether his record‑setting performance can influence a high‑stakes game against a top defensive unit [1].

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Timeline

Dec 26, 2025 – Seattle hosts Carolina in a bid to tighten its NFC West lead, entering the game 12‑3 while the Panthers sit 8‑7. Injuries sideline left tackle Charles Cross and cornerback Coby Bryant, and the Seahawks rely on Jaxon Smith‑Njigba’s 104 catches and over 1,600 yards against Panthers corners Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. Panthers quarterback Bryce Young is expected to start despite an ankle strain, and defensive end Derrick Brown seeks to prove his Pro Bowl worth after being snubbed. [4]

Dec 28, 2025 – Seattle defeats Carolina 27‑10, extending its win streak to six and preserving a franchise‑record 25 straight games without allowing a 100‑yard rusher, a streak dating back to the Legion of Boom era. The defense limits the Panthers to 139 total yards and 40 passing yards, while the offense breaks the team points record, reaching 470 points for the season. Zach Charbonnet erupts for 110 rushing yards and two touchdowns, his first 100‑yard game of the year. [3]

Dec 29, 2025 – The Seahawks’ rushing attack surges as they chase the NFC’s No. 1 seed; Charbonnet posts a season‑high 110 yards, prompting Coach Mike Macdonald to call it “Zach’s best game in two years.” Smith‑Njigba remains the primary target, catching nine passes for 72 yards and leading the league in receiving yards, while quarterback Sam Darnold adds two fumbles, raising concerns about turnover risk. Julian Love returns from hamstring injury, and Seattle can clinch the top seed with a win or tie against the 49ers the following Saturday. [2]

Jan 16, 2026 – Jaxon Smith‑Njigba shatters Seattle single‑season records with 1,793 receiving yards and 119 catches, earning AP All‑Pro first‑team honors. Teammate Drew Lock notes, “He stays even‑keeled whether he’s targeted a lot or not,” and Rashid Shaheed adds, “He’s a competitor and a captain‑type presence who prioritizes winning.” The Seahawks head into the NFC divisional playoff against the 49ers, hoping his historic production translates into postseason success. [1]

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