There's a lot going right for the Seahawks, after all, they've won four straight games and vaulted to first place.
Certainly, the defense has a huge hand in that, with several defensive touchdowns and other timely turnovers to help turn the tide.
On offense? There are a few factors, but none more consistent since the November bye week than JSN.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
"I think it starts with just his competitiveness. The guy's really just a great competitor, he's kind of relentless in that matter. But skillset-wise, we've talked about it in the offseason. He's got great hands, and then the lower body power and flexibility of getting in and out of breaks. It's tough to stick with him. As he's starting to make more catches and stuff I think he's generating a chemistry with Geno (Smith) late in downs and stuff, finding open windows and zones and Geno's finding him" said head coach Mike Macdonald.
JSN has 75 catches this season. The next closest to him is DK Metcalf with 41 receptions in 2024. Now, certainly part of that is attention Metcalf and Tyler Lockett demand from opposing defenses, but the reasons don't matter.
Smith-Njigba delivers in every way.
And his fellow receiver Metcalf is quite proud.
"He's been great," Metcalf said Wednesday.
"I know Lock (Tyler Lockett) saw me make the transition to getting the numbers that he's getting now, but just to see it from the other side, from the vet side or the OG side, is kind of great because last year he didn't really have any idea of what was going on or how to take it, 16 games, 17 games in a season. But now, just to see him put everything together, I mean it's kind of like a proud parent or a big brother moment just to see him have the success and I know he's going to continue to have major success in his league."
Big brother moment. Proud parent. You love to hear those terms from a close-knit team.
As the Seahawks gear up for a showdown with the Packers, trying to preserve their first-place lead on the NFC West, no question the emergence of JSN has played a huge role and will continue to do so however far the Hawks can take this 2024 season.
