The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots are in a battle through the first quarter. Both defenses are up for the task so far and are giving the opposing offenses real trouble. Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba has yet to leave his mark on the game, and he also suffered an injury in the third quarter.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Injury Update
Initially, it was reported that Smith-Njigba suffered a leg injury and was sent to the medical tent. Later, the Seahawks star was sent to the locker room to evaluate a potential concussion.
As of writing, his status for return is unknown, but the Seahawks’ offense, which has struggled massively so far, needs him back as soon as possible.
Before his injury, he had three receptions for 24 yards on nine targets as the Seahawks led 12-0. Sam Darnold almost connected with Smith-Njigba for a long touchdown, but couldn’t quite connect after Darnold did a great job to evade pressure as the star wideout burst loose from the coverage while the quarterback was scrambling.
The Seahawks offense has looked one-dimensional. Kenneth Walker III has been sensational in this game, terrorizing the New England defense with his legs. Walker has 17 yards on just 18 carries and two catches for 26 yards. Outside of Walker, the offense has been nearly non-existent.
Sam Darnold has not been efficient throwing the ball, completing just 13 of 28 passes. He’s gone for a few home run balls, but hasn’t connected. Smith-Njigba has been targeted on nine of these 28 passes, but to very little success.
Before the NFC Championship, where Smith-Njigba torched the Rams’ secondary, the Seahawks star hadn’t eclipsed the century mark receiving since the middle of December. But Smith-Njigba’s pop-off potential is so dangerous, and one big catch could turn the tide of his evening.
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Seattle’s defense has been lights out in the first half. A near interception, three sacks, and a rattled Drake Maye is the story of the half. The Patriots’ offensive line is begging for help as the defensive line is torching them. Rookie Will Campbell hasn’t lived up to his high draft status as Seattle is picking on Campbell as they pressure Maye.
But the defense can play as well as they want, but if they don’t get Smith-Njigba and the offense going, one touchdown from New England could be the difference in tonight’s battle. It’s not a surprise that the defenses are cooking. The Seahawks rank 3rd in PFSN’s Defense Impact Metric, while the Patriots rank 12th.
The Super Bowl is up for grabs. Both sets of fans will be nervous heading into the halftime break as the teams continue to battle.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.
