Stacy Rost: 3 nuggets from short-handed Seahawks’ win over Jags

The Seattle Seahawks entered Jacksonville trusting their record on the road (9-1, now 10-1 under Mike Macdonald) but knowing that this was a Jaguars team flying high coming off back-to-back wins over the 49ers and Chiefs. This was also a Jags team that was leading the league in turnover differential (plus-eight) with at least three takeaways in four games this year.

Sam Darnold couldn’t throw a pick or fumble, backups in the secondary would be tasked with holding back Jags leading receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (Seattle has lost both games in which they’ve allowed a 100-plus-yard receiver) and would need to get their run game going against a good run defense.

Instant Reaction: Seattle Seahawks secure 20-12 road win over Jags

The result? Seattle didn’t turn the ball over once, saw an explosive day from Darold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and bounced back from a Week 5 loss with a win.

Here are some extra nuggets from a Week 6 victory.

JSN finally gets a win to go with a top performance

Smith-Njigba is on pace to smash DK Metcalf’s franchise record for single-season receiving yards. He’s already got more yards through the first six weeks than Metcalf did to begin any season with Seattle, though that’s a credit to Smith-Njigba and not a knock on a spectacular Seahawks career for No. 14.

But Sunday’s Week 6 win over the Jaguars also broke an unlucky trend for JSN: his three best single-game performances had all come with losses. That includes 180 yards against the Rams last season (a 26-20 loss in overtime), 132 yards in a 38-35 loss to the Buccaneers last week, and 124 yards to open the season against San Francisco. JSN’s 162 yards in Week 6 are the second-most in any game of his career and the first of over 124 yards to come with a win.

Someone hit rewind. 61-yards to the end zone. 🔥 @jaxon_smith1

📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/K2SywHB46G

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) October 12, 2025

Darnold remains the league’s most explosive passer

Who’d have thought we’d be saying this? Anyone hoping the Seahawks would get a game manager has gotten more than they could’ve dreamed with Darnold’s 2025 campaign so far.

Observations from Seahawks’ 20-12 win over Jaguars

Entering this game, Darnold and Indianapolis quarterback Daniel Jones (!) were tied for the most passing plays of 40 or more yards. Both quarterbacks’ teams won today, but Darnold was the only of the two to add on to that explosive-pass-play total. Jones’ longest play of the day was a 26-yarder to Alec Pierce. Darnold had two 61-yard completions against a Jags defense that ranks 27th against the pass, and one of them was a touchdown.

Both passes being 61 yards also adds a fun twist on a trend through six games: Darnold’s longest pass completion each and every week has been to Smith-Njigba, but the Ohio State product isn’t in sole possession of that title this week since tight end AJ Barner also snagged one of those two.

He made that look wayyy too easy. 🔥 @_ajbarner_ for 61 yards.

📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/VCEt8fCDPi

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) October 12, 2025

A Seahawks defense under pressure brings some of its own

The Seahawks entered Sunday short three starting defensive backs, including their leader in the secondary in safety Jordan Love. Communication issues popped up on one Jacksonville scoring drive in particular.

Busted coverage. Jags score.

With arms wiiide open!@BrianThomas_11 | 📺: FOXpic.twitter.com/Q9MfrWAOhr

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) October 12, 2025

But the defense didn’t just tighten up; they also continued to bring pressure for a season-high seven sacks (their previous high: six against the Cardinals in Week 4).

It continues an impressive effort by the Seahawks’ defense to get sacks without blitzing nearly as much as other teams, and to rack up pressures without having a top player in that category. Byron Murphy II had the most of any Seahawk with nine total pressures through five weeks, well outside players in the top 10 who all have 12 or more.

Who do you persistently double team when you’re not quiet sure who could lead the team that day? It’s a bad problem for opposing offenses and a boon for Seattle so far.

Recap: Passing game, defense carry Seattle Seahawks past Jags 20-12

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