The Seattle Seahawks secured an important Week 9 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, but the performance also highlighted an issue that the team must address most moving forward, which is establishing a reliable secondary receiver in its offense.
While Jaxon Smith-Njigba continues to lead the Seahawks’ passing attack, Seattle needs more consistent production from its other receiving options.
Rashid Shaheed, Cooper Kupp, AJ Barner and Tory Horton have all not consistently provided the high-end secondary or tertiary production that Seattle needs this season. Despite their individual abilities, none has firmly established himself as a dependable complementary option alongside Smith-Njigba, leaving the offense heavily reliant on its leading receiver.
Kupp finished Week 9 with three receptions for 32 yards. Horton managed just two receptions for 22 yards, while Barner recorded two catches for seven yards and a receiving touchdown, as well as a rushing touchdown. With Shaheed sidelined against the Cardinals, Horton had another opportunity to make a great impression, but did not take advantage of his opportunities enough.
Establishing a dependable secondary receiver will be critical to Seattle's offensive success moving forward. Without another consistent receiving threat, opposing defenses may devote additional attention to Smith-Njigba and contain the Seahawks’ offense in future games.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Key receiving woe one thing Seahawks must fix most entering Week 10
