Zach Charbonnet’s Fifth TD and Smith-Njigba’s Big Game Power Seahawks Past Texans 27-19

Zach Charbonnet's Fifth TD of 2025 Boosts Seahawks' Lead to 26-12 vs. Texans

The Seattle Seahawks secured a 27-19 victory over the Houston Texans in their Week 7 NFL matchup at Lumen Field, highlighted by Zach Charbonnet’s two rushing touchdowns and Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s continued dominance as the NFL’s leading receiver.

• Zach Charbonnet scored two rushing touchdowns and contributed 49 yards on 12 carries, helping the Seahawks take an early lead.
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba recorded eight receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown, achieving his fifth 100-yard receiving game of the season.
• Seattle’s defense, led by linebacker Ernest Jones’ interception and multiple sacks on Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, was instrumental in the victory.
• Houston’s offense struggled, with Stroud being sacked three times and strip-sacked in the end zone for a defensive touchdown by Will Anderson Jr.
• The Seahawks improved to 5-2, tying for first place in the NFC West, before their upcoming bye week.

Seahawks deliver strong performance despite early controversies

Seattle got off to a fiery start despite frustration over a controversial non-safety call that nullified what seemed to be an early two-point score. Running back Zach Charbonnet took control immediately, punching in a 1-yard touchdown after stellar field position set up by linebacker Uchenna Nwosu’s 18-yard sack on Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. This play pinned Houston at their own 1-yard line, leading to Seattle’s opening score.

Charbonnet, often criticized for his workload and efficiency—ranking last in yards per carry among backs with at least 30 carries—showed his value by scoring both of Seattle’s rushing touchdowns. Alongside Kenneth Walker, the Seahawks’ talented backfield available on Monday, Charbonnet’s nose for the end zone is proving vital. He currently has five touchdowns in six active games during the 2025 season, providing solid flex value, even as his yards-per-carry numbers remain subpar.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba continues NFL-leading receiving spree

Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was once again the offensive standout for Seattle, catching eight passes for 123 yards and an 11-yard touchdown late in the first quarter that extended the Seahawk lead to 14-0. Smith-Njigba’s celebration, a spontaneous slam dunk of the football on the goalpost crossbar, was a memorable moment despite drawing a penalty.

His consistent production is historic for the franchise—he became the second Seahawk to record three consecutive 100-yard receiving games and is tied for the second-most five 100-yard games in a season in team history. Smith-Njigba leads the NFL in receiving yards this season, and his skill has not gone unnoticed by teammates like Cooper Kupp, who praised Smith-Njigba’s hard work and exceptional productivity.

Defensive standouts and special teams highlights

Seattle’s defense played a key role in the win by disrupting Houston’s offense multiple times. Linebacker Ernest Jones IV intercepted Stroud early in the second half, setting up a field goal that extended Seattle’s lead. Jones also led the team in tackles and anchored the defense, described by defensive end Leonard Williams III as the “quarterback” who keeps the unit organized and motivated.

The Texans’ struggles on the offensive line were evident. Stroud was sacked three times and hit repeatedly by Seattle’s pass rush, undermining Houston’s rhythm. An especially costly play occurred when Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. forced a strip-sack in the Seahawks’ end zone, scoring a defensive touchdown—his first NFL touchdown.

Seattle’s special teams had mixed results; kicker Jason Myers made two field goals but had one attempt blocked by Houston’s Denico Autry. Meanwhile, Texans kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn contributed three field goals, keeping Houston competitive.

Texans’ late efforts and injury concerns

Houston struggled to keep pace offensively. Their only offensive touchdown came late in the game on a short pass from Stroud to running back Woody Marks with just over two minutes left. Despite those efforts, the Texans saw their two-game winning streak end, falling to 2-4 on the season.

Injuries affected both teams: Seattle’s wide receiver Dareke Young suffered a hip injury and did not return, and key defensive players Julian Love and Devon Witherspoon were absent. Houston also faced challenges, missing key players including wide receiver Christian Kirk and dealing with a concussion evaluation for Nico Collins.

Looking forward: Seahawks enter bye week

The Seahawks improved to 5-2, positioning themselves atop the highly competitive NFC West alongside the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams. Coach Mike Macdonald expressed optimism about Seattle’s progress, appreciating the passionate home crowd at Lumen Field and the team’s momentum heading into the bye week.

Seattle will rest this week before hosting the Washington Commanders on November 2. Houston returns home next Sunday to host San Francisco.

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Charbonnet silences critics in crucial roles

Despite criticism over his running style and efficiency, Zach Charbonnet delivered crucial touchdowns when it mattered most. His ability to push through tough yardage and finish in the red zone was highlighted by teammates including rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo, who helped pave the way on the opening score.

Charbonnet’s success contrasts with Kenneth Walker’s higher yardage but no touchdowns, demonstrating the former’s scoring ability as a key weapon for Seattle. This balance between rushing efficiency and scoring production will be essential as the Seahawks navigate the rest of the season.

Smith-Njigba’s explosive season continues

Smith-Njigba’s impact goes beyond raw numbers; his performance injects a dynamic element into Seattle’s passing game. His strong rapport with quarterback Sam Darnold was evident through several key receptions that extended drives and converted difficult fourth downs.

His signature celebration, though unconventional, symbolized a moment of youthful confidence and joy, briefly galvanizing the home crowd despite the resulting penalty. Smith-Njigba’s role as a top receiver in the NFL continues to elevate Seattle’s offense, which has otherwise struggled to consistently overpower elite defenses like Houston’s.

Defensive dominance defines the game

Seattle’s defensive unit, led by Jones and Lawrence, applied relentless pressure and forced turnovers that swung momentum sharply in their favor. The strip-sack touchdown by Will Anderson Jr. was a rare highlight for Houston’s defense, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Seahawks’ resilient defensive stands.

Seattle’s linebacking corps and secondary capitalized on the Texans’ offensive lapses, keeping Houston contained for the majority of the contest. This defensive performance was vital to securing the victory, especially against the league’s top-ranked scoring defense.

Special teams and coaching insights

Seattle’s special teams performance demonstrated both strengths and vulnerabilities. Myers’ field goals contributed crucial points, but the blocked long attempt underscored areas for improvement.

Coach Mike Macdonald praised the fans’ energy and recognized the perfect timing of the bye week, allowing the team to recover and prepare for the challenging second half of the season.

Injury report and upcoming schedules

Both teams will focus on recovery this week. Seattle must address the health of wide receiver Dareke Young and continue to manage the absence of key defensive starters. Houston faces similar challenges with player availability due to injuries and concussions.

Seattle’s bye week gives them a strategic pause to regroup before facing Washington. Houston aims to rebound at home against San Francisco, hoping to build on their defensive strengths and improve offensive protection for Stroud.

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The Seahawks’ decisive 27-19 victory over the Texans highlighted the critical roles of Charbonnet and Smith-Njigba, a resilient defense, and special teams execution, setting the tone for the remainder of the 2025 NFL season.

Questions and answers

Q: Zach Charbonnet touchdown highlights

A: Zach Charbonnet has showcased his scoring ability with several impressive touchdown runs featuring powerful bursts and agility. Highlights of his touchdowns reveal his talent for breaking tackles and finding open lanes in the defense. Fans can find video compilations of Charbonnet's touchdowns on sports websites and the official NFL platform.

Q: Jaxon Smith-Njigba receiving stats 2025

A: In the 2025 NFL season, Jaxon Smith-Njigba has demonstrated strong receiving skills, accumulating a notable number of receptions, yards, and touchdowns. His stats reflect his role as a key target, with consistent yardage gains and contribution to his team's passing offense. Detailed game-by-game stats and season totals for Smith-Njigba are available on NFL statistical sites and team reports.

Q: Seattle Seahawks vs Houston Texans score

A: The most recent Seattle Seahawks vs Houston Texans game ended with a final score that reflects a competitive match between the two teams. To get the exact score, fans can check the latest NFL scoreboards or official game summaries. These sources provide detailed scoring breakdowns, including quarter-by-quarter points and key scoring plays.

Q: Seahawks defensive performance Week 7

A: In Week 7, the Seattle Seahawks' defense showed strengths and weaknesses, impacting the game's outcome. Key defensive statistics such as sacks, interceptions, and tackles illustrate their overall performance. Analysts often highlight standout players and critical defensive stops or lapses during this week to assess the unit's effectiveness.

Q: NFL 2025 Seahawks injury report

A: The 2025 Seattle Seahawks injury report lists players sidelined or limited due to various injuries ahead of recent games. This report provides updates on the status of key starters and depth players, indicating who is probable, questionable, or out. Fans and fantasy football participants rely on this information to track player availability and team readiness.

Key Entities

Zach Charbonnet: Zach Charbonnet is a professional American football running back who has played in the NFL since being drafted in 2023. Known for his collegiate career at UCLA, Charbonnet brings a strong combination of speed and power to his team's offense.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba: Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a wide receiver noted for his exceptional performance at Ohio State University before entering the NFL. His quick route running and reliable hands make him a significant offensive asset.

Seattle Seahawks: The Seattle Seahawks are a professional NFL team based in Seattle, Washington, competing in the NFC West division. Founded in 1976, the team has won a Super Bowl and is known for its passionate fan base, the '12th Man.'

Houston Texans: The Houston Texans are an NFL team based in Houston, Texas, established in 2002 as the league's newest franchise. They compete in the AFC South division and play their home games at NRG Stadium.

Mike Macdonald: Mike Macdonald is an American football coach known for his defensive expertise in both college and the NFL. He has held various coaching positions and is recognized for his strategic approach to defense.

External articles

• Jaxon Smith-Njigba goes for 123 yards, Seahawks win 27-19
• Seahawks hold off Texans for crucial win
• Smith-Njigba, defence show out again for Seahawks in win ...

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YouTube Video

Title: Ref Protects Jaxon Smith-Njigba from angry Texans players after late hit 😳 #nfl #seahawks #texans
URL: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/t_d5CFYoCa8