Watch: Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba makes spectacular TD catch in traffic
Seattle Seahawks rookie receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had scored just one touchdown in his previous eight games heading into Sunday’s matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
That streak ended late in the second quarter after Smith-Njigba caught a 12-yard touchdown pass in the back of the end zone while covered by two Steelers defensive backs that gave Seattle a 14-10 lead.
Initially shadowed by cornerback James Pierre, Smith-Njigba worked from the slot and cut to the right after crossing the goal line, where quarterback Geno Smith lobbed a pass over CB Patrick Peterson and right into the hands of Smith-Njigba, who came down with the pass in front of Pierre and safety Eric Rowe.
It was Smith-Njigba’s only reception of the first half, and his second touchdown in his last three games (he was held without a score from Nov. 5 to Dec. 10).
Smith-Njigba entered the week eighth in receptions (59) and yards (602) among rookie pass catchers. His TD grab moved him past Trey Palmer and Michael Wilson for seventh-most among first-year receivers.
More must-reads: