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- How Smith-Njigba handled a heated sideline moment
- Rivalry flare-ups: the backstory with Deommodore Lenoir
- Seattle’s defensive game plan that disrupted the 49ers
- Smith-Njigba’s season: awards and record-setting production
- Key factors to watch before the NFC championship
- Latest Seahawks headlines to follow
As the Seattle Seahawks charge toward Sunday’s NFC title game, discipline and focus have become as valuable as yards and turnovers. One moment from the divisional round captured both the tension and the team’s calm: wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was struck by 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, and instead of escalating, he moved on and kept playing.
How Smith-Njigba handled a heated sideline moment
Smith-Njigba explained the exchange this week on The Reset Podcast. He said the contact didn’t derail him because he felt protected and mentally centered. The receiver emphasized staying locked into the game plan rather than reacting to trash talk or physical confrontations.
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His restraint avoided a penalty or suspension, both of which would have carried major consequences heading into the NFC championship.
Rivalry flare-ups: the backstory with Deommodore Lenoir
The two players have clashed more than once this season. Tensions spilled over after Week 18, when Lenoir publicly questioned Smith-Njigba. The latest meeting added another chapter to that personal rivalry.
On the field, their matchup has been competitive. Off the field, both have exchanged words that fueled pregame narratives. But in the divisional round, the Seahawks receiver chose composure over retaliation.
Seattle’s defensive game plan that disrupted the 49ers
Coach Mike Macdonald’s defense repeatedly forced mistakes from San Francisco’s offense. Play-calling and pressure schemes left Kyle Shanahan’s unit out of rhythm in both January meetings.
- Consistent pressure on the quarterback.
- Well-timed coverage adjustments.
- Limiting big plays after the catch.
The result was a Seattle team that looked more organized at crucial moments.
Smith-Njigba’s season: awards and record-setting production
Smith-Njigba was named Offensive Player of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America. He compiled a career-defining stat line, breaking franchise marks and leading the NFL in receiving yards.
- 119 receptions, a new personal and team benchmark.
- League-high 1,793 receiving yards.
- 10 touchdown catches.
Those numbers helped lock his place among the league’s top playmakers this season.
Key factors to watch before the NFC championship
With the title game approaching, small details could decide the matchup. Seattle must manage discipline while attacking San Francisco’s weaknesses.
- Penalties and player availability — avoid costly mistakes.
- Matchup battles in the secondary and on the edge rushes.
- Health updates for both rosters.
- Coaches’ adjustments from prior meetings.
Each element could swing momentum in a tight contest.
Latest Seahawks headlines to follow
- Historic Seahawks vs. Rams stat reveals how even the series has been.
- Seattle adjusts backfield depth after Zach Charbonnet’s season-ending injury.
- Predictions around a major free agent possibly leaving Seattle for Detroit.
- NFL power rankings breaking down Seattle’s Super Bowl chances and obstacles.
