The Seattle Seahawks have emerged as one of the NFL’s surprises in the 2023 season. With a current record of 7-2, they recently achieved a commanding 44-22 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. As they prepare for a significant matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, also 7-2, the Seahawks are looking to maintain their impressive performance.
NFL Punishes Cardinals DB Following Jaxon Smith-Njigba Incident
This season, the Seahawks have demonstrated their strength, particularly through the partnership of quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. However, Smith-Njigba was recently put at risk when he took a hard hit from Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker during Week 9.
Fines and Player Safety
In the wake of this incident, the NFL announced fines for various players, with Budda Baker receiving a $17,389 penalty for unnecessary roughness while hitting a defenseless receiver. This decision underscores the league’s ongoing efforts to enhance player safety.
- Baker’s fine was part of 24 penalties issued in a recent week.
- The NFL’s fines aim to deter actions such as taunting and late hits.
- Hip-drop tackles have also been classified as illegal this season.
While Baker’s hit did not seem excessively rough, any impact to the head of a defenseless player tends to attract scrutiny and sentiment from the league officials. The NFL has adopted stricter measures to mitigate dangerous plays in order to protect its athletes.
Smith-Njigba’s Performance
As for Jaxon Smith-Njigba, he has been one of the standout wide receivers in the league this year. So far, he has amassed over 1,000 receiving yards, with 63 receptions resulting in five touchdowns. His impressive average of 16.5 yards per catch has made him a key player in the Seahawks’ offensive strategy.
Heading into the upcoming game against the Rams, both teams are vying for an advantage in the NFC West. The implications of this matchup extend beyond their individual standings, affecting the broader conference landscape as well.
