COMMENTARY: Jaxon Smith-Njigba Puts the Patriots on Notice for Super Bowl LX

COURTESY OF: Rod Mar/ Seattle Seahawks

Reporter: Rei Tedoco

SAN FRANCISCO- The New England Patriots will face a serious threat against the Seattle Seahawks, if they can’t stop Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s receiving and passing game.

Smith-Njigba went from a 20th draft-pick in 2023 and now in the spotlight for the Super Bowl LX. In his third professional season alone, he set the record for the Seattle Seahawks single-season receiving yards record. He outshined DK Metcalf’s previous record for the Seahawks franchise in 11 games and led the league this season at 1,793 yards. 

Even Patriots’ head coach Mike Vrabel is aware of Smith-Njigba’s skills. In a press conference he referred to the stand-out receiver as “Sudden, savvy, competitive, really good play strength for his stature. You wouldn’t think…He’s got really good play strength, he’s really good at contested catches.”

The awareness from Patriot’s head coach Vrabel is the warning sign the Patriots need to take. Since Smith-Njigba is already a public standout and his performance proves it, the Patriots defense will have to strategize. 

In the opening presser for Super Bowl Week of Game, Smith-Njigba is ready to bring Seattle to the fans for Sunday.

 He said,“ This week is different but my routine, especially before the game will stay the same, and everybody's been doing a good job keeping it..kind of consistent.”

Looking at the NFC championship, Smith-Njigba knows how to propel leadership in crunch time. Against the Los Angeles Rams, he turned a touchdown and 153 receiving-yards in the game. He’s an asset that the Seahawks must utilize on Sunday.

Smith-Njigba accredits his father and brother for where he is now with the sacrifices continuously made early on. Tuesday night, he said, “My dad (was) sacrificing his time at his job. So I’m able to travel and play some ball and visit schools. So a lot of sacrifice that my family has made.” 

Now, Smith-Njigba is turning the tables for the Seattle Seahawks and willing to put his own sacrifice on the line for his team. As the Seahawks are looking to claim a Super Bowl LX victory, they’ll need their star wide-receiver in good shape.

He’s being referred to as a “jack of all trades” and will put his versatility to the test on Sunday. 

“How I envision myself is being an all-around player,” Smith-Njigba said. “Just getting the job done. So, you know, that's my motivation, and that's what I want to be.”

Proudly wearing #11,  Smith-Njigba will make his statement Sunday night for the Seahawks and it’ll be one to remember.