Seattle Seahawks, Jaxon Smith-Njigba 'Answered The Call' in Gritty Win vs. Cleveland Browns
The Seattle Seahawks, decked out in their throwback uniforms, needed every ounce of grit to overcome a dogged Cleveland Browns team, 24-20, at Lumen Field on Sunday.
In a game that won't be remembered for its aesthetics, the Seahawks produced when it mattered most to secure their fifth win and move to the top of the NFC West.
After a 17-point first quarter, the Seahawks looked to be on their way to a comfortable win, but the Browns defense stiffened and made life incredibly difficult for Shane Waldron's offense.
Needing a touchdown to take the lead late in the fourth quarter, Geno Smith, who had his issues again with turnovers (two interceptions), led a seven-play, 53-yard drive that ended with what would be the game-winning touchdown to Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who finished with three catches for 36 yards and the score.
For the rookie receiver, the team did what it needed to do to get the all-important win.
“It feels great,” Smith-Njigba said. “Great win, I thought we answered the call and got the W when it mattered. It was a big win for us, so happy we got the dub."
After a blistering start, the Seahawks offense stuttered and spluttered its way through the game.
The offense again failed to hit the mark on third downs again (4 of 12) but did manage to go 50-50 in the redzone (2 of 4).
Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught the game-winning touchdown against the Browns.
Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
For Smith-Njigba, despite the numerous setbacks the offense faced, they never lost confidence.
“Sometimes it’s a game of runs, you’re up, and you’re down, but it's about bouncing back,” Smith-Njigba said. “Getting back to that next possession, and that’s what we did. I felt like we held our heads high, and we just went out there and tried to do the best we could. All the mistakes, we’ll look at them and try and get them fixed.”
The Seahawks, again, weren't as buttoned up as they would have liked to be, but got the win regardless.
Pete Carroll's team is now 5-2 this season, and with the San Francisco 49ers on a three-game losing streak after succumbing to the Cincinnati Bengals, the Seahawks hold first place in the NFC West.
Seattle faces another difficult test next week when it travels to M&T Bank Stadium to take on Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.
But for now, the Seahawks can bask in the glow of a gritty win that will undoubtedly give the locker room immense confidence going forward.
