'He's Got That Stuff!': Seattle Seahawks' Pete Carroll Praises 'Savvy' Jaxon Smith-Njigba
The Seattle Seahawks' 20-17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday kept their playoff hopes alive. While many fixate on what Drew Lock, in just his second start of the season was able to do on that final drive, rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba also played his part.
Prior to the final Seattle drive, Smith-Njigba had three catches for 19 yards as it looked he was heading for a quiet night.
It might not be your match, but it can be your moment and Smith-Njigba's moment came with the game on the line as he hauled in a 29-yard touchdown pass from Lock to put the Seahawks in front with 28 seconds to play.
Given the magnitude of the moment, Smith-Njigba could have easily been overcome with emotion, but instead, he was as measured as a seasoned pro, something coach Pete Carroll praised him for.
Seahawks rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba hauled in the game-winning touchdown against the Eagles.
USA TODAY
"I'm telling you, he was so chilled," Carroll said. "He just made the catch of his NFL career. He was just as calm and poised. He's a great competitor. I'm serious about when what I'm saying here. This guy, it was not too big a deal. It was like no big deal, of course I made that catch. He's been doing that his whole life. It's that kind of confidence and savvy that allows a guy to separate from other players. He's got that stuff in him. I was incredibly impressed with that. I caught a couple glimpses of him in between all the craziness and all that stuff. He was just on top of it. Really impressive."
Smith-Njigba's rookie season got off to a slow start, but since the Week 5 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, he has been a steady outlet of production for the offense.
After Monday night's game, Smith-Njigba took his season tally to 541 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 53 receptions, as he ranks third on the Seahawks in each category.
But what did the man himself think about his game-winning catch?
“Super fun, emotional win, and emotional game," Smith-Njigba said. "Drew Lock stepped up. On that play I knew if we had man coverage it was coming to me. I am just thankful that I was able to make the play."
The Seahawks playoff hopes are still alive but attention now turns to the Tennessee Titans. Seattle will have to back up its win over the Eagles.
With Lock and Smith-Njigba connecting to win the game on Monday night, it remains to be seen if Lock will start against the Titans. But if not, he can be happy that he had a part to play in Smith-Njigba's "best catch of his NFL career."
