NFL expert details how Sam Darnold and JSN helped unlock the Seahawks’ deep passing game

Coming into the season, the best thing the Seattle Seahawks had going for them was their pass rush. At one point they were under ridiculous 50% pressure, which was of course unsustainable.

Fortunately, someone stepped in to help fill that void, with Seattle’s defense shattered by injuries.

Heading into their Week 6 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the only thing these Seahawks can hang their hat on is the explosive connection between Sam Darnold and star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who ranks second in the league in receiving yards.

The Athletic’s Robert Mays has a great analysis of Seattle’s deep passing game this week, detailing the team’s total effort.

“Consistently creating big plays down the field requires more than just the QB. Seattle has seen significant – and surprising – contributions from its offensive line, pass catchers and signal caller… Kubiak’s approach has created advantageous passing looks for a QB looking to push the ball down the field.”

While the complete picture is important – including play calling, pass protection, personnel – and Darnold’s accurate deep throws – the centerpiece is JSN.

“While he remains one of the most impressive short-area threats in the NFL given his excellent route running and short-area quickness, Smith-Njigba’s growth as a vertical target has provided Darnold with one of the most explosive receivers in the league.”

The result was an explosive connection that no other QB-WR combo in the NFL can match, even that of Matt Stafford and Puka Nacua.

In five games, JSN has 10 catches of 20 yards or more, which puts him at the top of the league. He also has four catches of 40 yards or more, also the best mark in the league. Only Nacua and Amon-Ra St. Brown have more catches on first downs.

Darnold has also developed a connection with Cooper Kupp and AJ Barner on shorter targets to help move the chains and has a developing red zone threat with rookie Tory Horton.

Mix it all together and you get a much more potent passing attack than last season with Geno Smith and DK Metcalf leading the way.

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