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Jaxon Smith-Njigba Shines on MNF as Goalpost Dunk Draws Flag and Official Shields Him in Sideline Fracas

The Seahawks star now leads the NFL in receiving during a record-setting start while his celebration penalty and a referee’s protective intervention spotlight league rules and player safety.

Overview

  • Smith-Njigba posted eight catches for 123 yards and a touchdown in Seattle’s 27-19 win over Houston, giving him an NFL-best 819 receiving yards through seven games.
  • He became the first Seahawk with three straight games of 100 yards and a touchdown, and his five 100-yard outings already tie for the second-most in a Seattle season.
  • After his first-quarter score, he dunked the ball through the goalposts and was assessed a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty under Rule 12, Section 3, with a league fine possible but not announced.
  • In the fourth quarter, Derek Stingley Jr. stiff-armed Smith-Njigba’s helmet off following an interception, prompting a sideline scrum in which Stingley was penalized for unnecessary roughness.
  • Field judge Nate Jones, a former NFL defensive back, stepped between Texans players and the helmetless receiver to shield him, a move widely praised after broadcast replays circulated.