Seahawks Offense Needs Balance Beyond Smith-Njigba

The Seattle Seahawks' offensive strategy has increasingly relied on rookie wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, raising concerns about the lack of balance in the team's overall offense. In the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, Smith-Njigba showcased his potential with nine catches for 124 yards, accounting for 13 of the team's 22 targets, a trend that has continued throughout the season.

His performance has led to impressive statistics, including 80 catches, 1,313 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns, making him the first player in NFL history to record 75-plus receiving yards in each of his team's first 11 games, according to the Seattle Times.

However, the Seahawks' heavy reliance on Smith-Njigba, who has a 37.2% target share, the highest in the league, has sparked discussions about the need for a more diverse offensive approach. Despite leading the NFL in yards per play and ranking third in scoring, the Seahawks' success hinges on more than just Smith-Njigba's contributions.

Coach Mike Macdonald emphasized the importance of a collective effort, stating that while Smith-Njigba's talent is undeniable, the team must improve its overall performance. The Seahawks have seen flashes of potential from their supporting cast, but consistency remains a challenge.

Quarterback Sam Darnold has thrown 10 interceptions, contributing to the team's high turnover rate, which currently sits at 20, the second most in the NFL. Meanwhile, wide receiver Rashid Shaheed has struggled to make an impact since joining the team, recording only three catches for 30 yards in three games.

Veteran Cooper Kupp has also been underwhelming, ranking second on the team in receiving yards with 414, but failing to find the end zone consistently. Tight ends AJ Barner and Elijah Arroyo have not significantly contributed to the passing game either, with Barner managing only two catches in the last three games.

On the positive side, the Seahawks' running game has shown signs of improvement, with Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet combining for an average of 149 rushing yards per game over the last three weeks.

Walker's recent performance included 71 rushing yards and three receptions for 30 yards against the Tennessee Titans, highlighting the potential for utilizing running backs in the passing game. As the Seahawks prepare for their upcoming matchups, the integration of more offensive options is crucial to complementing Smith-Njigba's stellar play and reducing the pressure on Darnold.

The team's ability to diversify its offensive strategy could ultimately determine their success in the remainder of the season, as Macdonald acknowledged the need for improvement from all players involved.

With a solid foundation already in place, the question remains: how much better can the Seahawks be if they can effectively spread the ball around and mitigate their reliance on one player?