Sunday’s matchup is a significant one for two of Seattle’s key pass-catchers, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp.
For rookie Smith-Njigba, the game is an opportunity to continue his impressive debut season. His development has not surprised his teammates, including fellow 2023 first-round pick Devon Witherspoon.
“We always expected him to be this guy, now he got a chance to show it, and everybody gets a chance to see it now,” Witherspoon said, noting he was confident in Smith-Njigba even when his early-season numbers were modest.
Meanwhile, the game marks a homecoming for veteran Cooper Kupp, who will face the Los Angeles Rams for the first time since they released him in an offseason salary-cap move. A Yakima native, Kupp returned to his home state after eight seasons with the Rams. His tenure in Los Angeles was highlighted by a historic 2021 campaign in which he led the league in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns before being named Super Bowl MVP.
While Kupp’s volume of targets has decreased in Seattle, he has remained highly productive and has provided significant value with his off-field contributions and leadership.
“He’s incredible,” said quarterback Sam Darnold. “The work that he puts in is unlike anyone else that I’ve ever met. He’s been a huge fit for us as an offense with the way that he works and the things he can do on the field. He’s also been a huge catalyst for bringing this team together… he’s a very important piece of what we’re building here.”
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