Geno Smith lifted the Seattle Seahawks to a 37-27 victory over the Carolina Panthers. While mic’d up during Sunday’s game, the quarterback encouraged Jaxon Smith-Njigba on the sideline.
The NFL previewed footage from Inside The NFL of Smith giving a motivational message to his rookie wide receiver.
“Hey, I need you. Need you in the second half. Need you locked in,” Smith said. “Alright, look. Whatever happened is on me. It ain’t never on you. You gotta get the ball, so I gotta find you, all right? But I need you to give me your best this second half.”
Geno Smith is the ultimate leader & hype man 👏 (via @NFLFilms)#InsideTheNFL Tuesdays at 8/7c on @TheCW pic.twitter.com/lYVY7bPBg5
— NFL (@NFL) September 26, 2023
The exchange seemingly occurred after Deion Jones cut off a Smith-Njigba route to intercept Smith. It was one of just three times the veteran targeted the former Ohio State star Sunday.
Despite Smith’s pep talk, Smith-Njigba finished the game with one 10-yard catch. His career is off to a slow start, hauling in nine catches for 57 yards in three games.
The first-round pick has yet to play a significant role alongside D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, but the 21-year-old could eventually factor more into Seattle’s offense. Smith-Njigba can feel better about having his quarterback’s support when his number is called.
Smith-Njigba will hope to ignite a primetime breakout when the Seahawks face the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.