Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Jake Bobo come from opposite ends of the spectrum for NFL rookies.

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https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap/_/gameId/401547493

Seahawks get TDs from rookies Smith-Njigba, Bobo and rely on defense to
topple Arizona 20-10

0:35
Jarran Reed sacks Joshua Dobbs to seal Seahawks' victorySeahawks DT
Jarran Reed gets to Joshua Dobbs for the sack late in the fourth
quarter, sealing Seattle's win.
ByAP
Updated: Oct 22, 2023, 06:00 pm

SEATTLE -- — Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Jake Bobo come from opposite ends of
the spectrum for NFL rookies.

Smith-Njigba was a first-round pick carrying the expectations that come
with that spot. Bobo was an undrafted rookie just looking for a shot.

The Seattle Seahawks consider themselves fortunate to have landed both.

Smith-Njigba and Bobo both caught first-half touchdown passes, Kenneth
Walker III rushed for a season-high 105 yards, and the Seahawks beat the
Arizona Cardinals 20-10 on Sunday.

With DK Metcalf out because of injury and missing the first game of his
career, Seattle's rookie pass catchers connected with Geno Smith on big
plays in the first half before its defense was asked to come up with
some key stops in the second half after a handful of mistakes by the
Seahawks.

“It was huge not only for Jaxon and Bobo but I think it was huge for our
overall offense to see those guys continue to step up and make great
plays," Smith said.

Seattle (4-2) rebounded from last week’s loss at Cincinnati that was
filled with missed opportunities, but a shaky second-half performance by
Smith allowed the Cardinals to hang around into the fourth quarter.

Smith completed 18 of 24 passes for 219 yards. He hit Smith-Njigba on a
28-yard reception in the first quarter for his first NFL touchdown. Bobo
made a terrific 18-yard TD catch in the second quarter that included a
toe-tap on the sideline.

Smith-Njigba and Bobo each had four receptions and became the first set
of Seattle rookies to catch TDs in the same game since 2015.

“With (Metcalf) out we knew we were going to have to step up. Obviously
he'll be back soon, but I was just looking to semi-fill his big shoes
and felt like we did a little of that today,” Bobo said.

But the Seahawks missed a chance to put away the Cardinals much earlier.
Smith was intercepted at the Arizona 1 in the third quarter by Garrett
Williams on an underthrown pass intended for Bobo. Smith later fumbled a
snap and Arizona recovered at the Seattle 34 early in the fourth
quarter. The Seahawks were able to avoid giving up points on the drive
after Matt Prater missed a 34-yard field-goal attempt.

Arizona later attempted a fake punt on fourth-and-9 near midfield with
5:09 remaining, but Michael Wilson was tackled 4 yards short of the
first down line on a pass from backup QB Clayton Tune. Seattle kicker
Jason Myers hit a field goal from 48 yards with 2:17 left to put the
victory away for the Seahawks.

Arizona QB Joshua Dobbs was 19 of 33 for 146 yards and was sacked four
times. On the week that Kyler Murray was activated from the physically
unable to perform list and rejoined Arizona’s practices, Dobbs was
unable to get anything working in the downfield passing game. Dobbs’
longest completion was 21 yards on Arizona’s final possession.

“There were opportunities to get the passing game going quicker and
earlier in the game. I feel like that would have put us in a better
position to continue to execute throughout the game," Dobbs said.

Dobbs did run for a 25-yard touchdown in the first half, the longest run
play allowed this season by Seattle. That touchdown capped an 80-yard
drive, but Arizona finished with 249 yards and 88 yards in the second half.

Seattle's defense has allowed fewer than 250 total yards in three
straight games.

“The consistency showed up with our defense,” Seattle coach Pete Carroll
said. “They did a fantastic job again today to go back out after
halftime and shut them down and not give anything up.”

EARLY EJECTION

Arizona left tackle D.J. Humphries was ejected in the second quarter for
making contact with an official following a wild play where Dobbs was
intercepted by Devon Witherspoon in the end zone but the turnover was
negated by a roughing the passer penalty against Boye Mafe.

At the end of the interception return there was a scrum where Humphries
and Seattle’s Jordyn Brooks both swung hands at each other and made
contact with an official. Humphries was ruled to be the guilty party and
was disqualified.

FIRST ABSENCE

Metcalf missed the first game of his career because of injuries to his
ribs and hip. Metcalf had played in 71 straight games from the start of
his career in 2019. Metcalf had been listed as questionable on the final
injury report. Seattle was also without starting center Evan Brown (hip)
and starting right guard Phil Haynes (calf) leaving rookies Olu
Oluwatimi and Anthony Bradford to fill in.

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

Carroll was 2 for 2 on challenges in the first half, the first time he
won two challenges in a game since Dec. 15, 2016, vs. the Rams. The
second challenge came on Bobo’s touchdown, which was initially ruled
incomplete for being out of bounds.

INJURIES

Seattle edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu suffered a strained pectoral muscle.
Carroll did not have an update on his status, but it would be a big loss
if Nwosu misses an extended period.

UP NEXT

Cardinals: Host Baltimore next Sunday.

Seahawks: Host Cleveland next Sunday.