By Mazvita Maraire Posted on

Jaxson Smith-Njigba earns  AP first-team All-Pro Selection

FIVE SEAHAWKS EARN AP SELECTIONS

Seahawks wide receiver Jaxson Smith-Njigba was one of five Seahawks who earned an All-Pro Selection. In addition to Smith, Njigba, who was named a first-teamer, punter Michael Dickson, CB Devon Witherspoon, LB Ernest Jones IV, and Leonard Williams all earned second-team selection.

A SEASON TO REMEMBER

Smith-Njigba had a breakout season in which he led the NFL in receiving yards with 1,793 yards, which is the eighth highest in NFL history, and set a single-season career high with 10 touchdowns.  In his third year, the former Buckeye set the Seahawks franchise record for most receptions in a single season with 119th, and Smith-Njigba was named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for October.

“ Yeah, that’s definitely a blessing. Something that when I look back after this season, I’m gonna definitely celebrate,   and then really congratulate everybody that’s a part of it, you know, with my team outside the field and the team here,” said Smith-Njigba. “ It’s awesome. 
I think us having the fewest passing attempts just shows, you know, the efficiency between Sam and I this year, and that’s been great, and also the front line giving him protection. So it’s, this is the ultimate team sport, and, you know, I couldn’t have done it without my guys, so it’s awesome to look back on.”

ANCHORING THE MIDDLE

The Seahawks earned a first-round bye thanks to the defense’s dominant play. Smack in the middle of the Seahawks defense, and a key piece in the team earning the No.1 scoring defense, is Leonard Williams. In his 11th year, Williams earned his first team All-Pro and second consecutive selection. Williams finished the regular season tied for the team lead in sacks with seven. In his second year with the Seahawks, Williams led the team with 22 quarterback hits and is part of a group of players who named the Seahawks defense the ‘Dark Side.’

“ It means a lot. I think we work really hard. We value so many things on defense: stopping the run, blitzing, getting the quarterback, rushing with force, stopping the run with force, all these things. “ It led to not allowing teams to score too much,” said Williams. “ I think that it means a lot to us, especially since it’s a defense that wants to have our own name with the Dark Side.” You know, you got to show it.”

A CALMING BUT PHYSICAL INFLUENCE

With Williams being a violent force on the front line, linebacker Ernest Jones IV is the calming, tenacious, and relentless leader who drives the defense. In his second year with the Seahawks after joining the team in midseason last year, Jones has been spectacular. He led the team with 126 tackles and five interceptions, which saw him tied for second in the NFL in interceptions.  This is Jones’ first All-Pro selection.

THE ENERGY THAT DRIVES THE SEAHAWKS’ DEFENSE

Despite a nagging knee injury that saw him miss five games, Devon Witherspoon earned his first All-Pro honors and third consecutive Pro Bowl roster. While Witherspoon’s stats were above average, 72 tackles, four quarterback hits, two sacks, and one interception, it is his energy and attention to detail that drives the Seahawks defense. “ He is such a student of the game; it is something I realized back in training camp, and I have been watching how he goes about his business, “said Nick Emmanwori. “He is a great  a role model to me, and I model some of my game after his.”

UNSUNG HERO

While it’s tough to say a player is unsung after earning his second All-Pro recognition,  Michael Dickson is just that. Since 2018, his first year in the league, Dickson has averaged 49 yards per punt with a net average of 42.2 and has had 20 punts downed inside the 20 compared to just three touchbacks. His pinpoint accuracy allows the Seahawks to flip the field on offenses, who then have to start in poor field position, giving the defense a tactical advantage.

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