Seahawks’ JSN Shines with Rare Feat in NFC Championship First Half Against Rams
The NFC Championship showcased an intense matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams. The Seahawks initially took a 10-3 lead, but the Rams responded, seizing a 13-10 edge late in the first half. A standout performer for the Seahawks was wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (JSN), who delivered an impressive first-half performance.
JSN’s Remarkable First Half Performance
During the first half, JSN recorded seven receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown. His touchdown came from a 14-yard pass thrown by quarterback Sam Darnold with just 20 seconds remaining before halftime. This achievement placed JSN in an elite group of players.
Historic Feat in Conference Championship
JSN became the first player in a conference championship since Chris Hogan to amass over 100 receiving yards and a touchdown in the first half. Hogan achieved this feat while playing for the New England Patriots in the 2027 AFC Championship, where he ended the game with nine receptions for 180 yards and two touchdowns. The Patriots triumphed over the Pittsburgh Steelers 36-17 to advance to Super Bowl LI.
JSN’s Season Overview
- Regular season stats: 1,793 receiving yards
- Receptions: 119
- Touchdowns: 10
- Games with 100+ receiving yards: 9
In the previous Divisional Round, the Seahawks defeated the San Francisco 49ers 41-6. JSN’s contribution was modest, with three receptions for 19 yards and one touchdown. The Seahawks relied on a strong ground game in that matchup.
Quarterback Performance
In the NFC Championship, Darnold’s accuracy benefited the Seahawks. He effectively navigated tight windows to deliver the ball to his receivers, with JSN being a primary target. Other players also rose to the occasion, contributing to the offensive efforts against the Rams’ defense.
Looking Ahead
The Seahawks’ offense rose to the occasion in this pivotal contest. With Jaxon Smith-Njigba leading the charge, the team hopes to secure a place in Super Bowl LX. Young talents like JSN and Darnold showcase their potential, aiming to propel Seattle to victory against the Rams.
