As the Arizona Cardinals prepare to face the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday, it marks 45 days since their last encounter, where the Seahawks clinched a tightly contested 23-20 victory with a last-minute field goal. This high-stakes game was highlighted by the remarkable performances of two first-round wide receivers from Ohio State, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
In that initial matchup, Harrison, the fourth overall pick in the 2024 Draft, had a sluggish start, managing just one catch for eight yards in the first half. Meanwhile, Smith-Njigba, selected 20th overall in 2023, also struggled to make an impact early, having no targets while the Seahawks built a 14-3 lead. However, both players dramatically turned their performances around in the second half.
Harrison came alive, catching all five of his targets for 58 yards, playing a crucial role in the Cardinals’ comeback efforts. A 16-yard catch helped set up a field goal that narrowed the deficit, and he later caught a touchdown pass from Kyler Murray, bringing the game to a tie with just 28 seconds left. Smith-Njigba responded with his own compelling performance, ending the game with four receptions for 79 yards, including key catches that positioned Seattle for the game-winning field goal.
As the Cardinals head into the rematch, they will be without cornerbacks Will Johnson and Max Melton, which may pose a challenge against the outstanding Smith-Njigba. This season, he leads the NFL with 948 receiving yards, averaging 118.5 per game and is on pace to surpass 2,000 yards. He’s proven to be a significant threat, having secured 58 receptions and displayed impressive explosive play capabilities.
Seattle’s quarterback Sam Darnold emphasized the unique impact Smith-Njigba has on opposing defenses, noting his ability to create big plays and rack up yards after catch—traits that have helped him achieve four consecutive 100-yard games, a first for a Seahawks receiver. With opportunities for him to further etch his name in history, Smith-Njigba can join a select group of five players who have tallied at least eight receptions and 100 yards in five straight games.
There’s palpable excitement around this upcoming clash, particularly surrounding the dynamic abilities of both Harrison and Smith-Njigba, who once played alongside each other in college. As the Cardinals strive to improve their defensive strategy, fans will be watching closely to see if Harrison can rise to the occasion once again and match or exceed his previous performance against his former teammate. This promise of competition not only fuels rivalries but also keeps the spirit of the game alive, assuring an electrifying Sunday in the NFL.