NFL

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Shines as Seahawks Hand Chiefs First Loss of Season

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 26, 2026, 10:11 IST

Jaxon Smith-Njigba recorded 150 receiving yards to lead the Seattle Seahawks to a dominant 20-3 victory over the previously unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs, while the Seattle defense stifled the visitors throughout the night.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Shines as Seahawks Hand Chiefs First Loss of Season

The Seattle Seahawks delivered a statement performance on Sunday night, snapping a two-game losing streak with a commanding 20-3 victory over the previously undefeated Kansas City Chiefs. In a contest defined by defensive dominance and an explosive outing from Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the Seahawks reminded the league of their championship pedigree, improving their record to 4-3 while handing Kansas City its first loss of the 2026 season.

Smith-Njigba proved to be the difference-maker at Lumen Field, racking up 150 receiving yards in a display that solidified his status as one of the league's premier offensive threats. His first-half performance was particularly clinical, as he accumulated 129 yards before the break—the highest single-half total by a Seahawks player since 2020. With this latest outing, Smith-Njigba now leads the NFL with 867 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, becoming the first player in the Super Bowl era to reach those marks within his team's first seven games.

Defensive Masterclass and Offensive Efficiency

While the offense found its rhythm, the Seattle defense remained the backbone of the team. Coach Mike Macdonald’s unit extended an impressive streak, holding an opponent without a 100-yard rusher for the 36th consecutive game. The primary focus was on containing Kenneth Walker III, who entered the matchup leading the league in rushing. The Seahawks’ defense was relentless, limiting Walker to just 36 yards on 14 carries and preventing the Chiefs from ever reaching the red zone. Kansas City’s offensive struggles were compounded by injuries to key personnel, leaving Patrick Mahomes under constant pressure; the quarterback was pressured on over half of his first-half dropbacks.

Quarterback Sam Darnold provided a steady hand for Seattle, completing 20 of 28 passes for 257 yards. Although he threw an interception in the end zone just before halftime, his ability to get the ball out quickly prevented the Chiefs from recording a single sack. The Seahawks’ offense was highly efficient, totaling 410 yards and converting 11 of 16 third-down opportunities, which allowed them to dominate the time of possession. By the middle of the third quarter, Seattle had run more than double the number of plays compared to their opponents.

Looking Ahead

For the Chiefs, the loss highlights a growing need for depth in the receiving corps, as the current rotation managed only six receptions for 39 yards in the absence of injured starters Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton. Kansas City will look to rebound next week when they travel to face AFC West rival Denver. Meanwhile, the Seahawks will aim to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next challenge against the Chicago Bears on November 2.