The Seattle Seahawks will open their 2026 season in less than one week. They'll host the New England Patriots in a Super Bowl LX rematch. It means Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez get to square off again in a battle of the elites.
Smith-Njigba was largely kept under wraps in Super Bowl LX. The reigning Offensive Player of the Year registered just four receptions on 10 targets for 27 yards. The Seahawks tried to force-feed JSN, but couldn't legitimately get him going.
Pro Football Focus credited Gonzalez with an elite coverage grade of 86.8. He was tagged with giving up just one reception on five targets for 16 yards, and had three pass breakups. It's fair to say Gonzalez placed the shutdown clamps
on Smith-Njigba.
Cooper Kupp and AJ Barner were the Seahawks' most impactful pass catchers in the title game. Kupp posted a team-high six receptions for 61 yards. Barner produced 54 yards and Seattle's only passing touchdown.
Smith-Njigba will get his opportunity to see Gonzalez again. The Seahawks got the last laugh, winning Super Bowl LX 29-13. Gonzalez, who deserves a new contract, was excellent versus Smith-Njigba and the Seahawks. We're looking forward to the rematch.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Jaxon Smith-Njigba vs. Christian Gonzalez will be must-watch in Week 1
