Jaxon Smith-Njigba won’t let success change him

0:00Sam is Sam and we love him around the city and the building and he's one of our leaders. So I think his drive to just get better and just to find the opportunity and the day to get better and to motivate his teammates. I'm excited to see what he does this year for us. Welcome to the AP's football unfiltered with Rob Mottie. The show has a new name. It's a new NFL season. Football unfiltered, let's go. The season's gonna kick off on Wednesday night. Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots in a Super Bowl rematch. Then on Thursday night, it's gonna be the first ever game in Australia between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers. Actually, it's Friday morning, local time. Whatever Kaushanahan tells you it is, that's what it's gonna be. Seahawks all pro receiver, Jackson Smith in jig, but is our guest in Inside the Huddle. Stay tuned for that conversation with JSN. We're gonna go around the league

1:00with the top seven storylines heading into week one of the season. I'm gonna give you my four pack of picks and season predictions in pro picks, plus fantasy focus with sit, start, and sleeper. Also a final word, but first up is Jackson Smith in Jigba. He was a unanimous selection for the Associated Press first team all pro last season. He also won the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year award and then went on to help the Seahawks win the franchise's second Super Bowl title. Jackson, welcome to the show. You're coming off an awesome season. You were unanimous first team all pro, AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year and most importantly, the Seahawks won a Super Bowl. So how do you follow that up? Each year, we have our own challenges in a new set of challenge. So really just accepting that and understanding that,

2:00I think how we got to where we got to in the first place was just putting our process over the results, which is meaning each day that I have, whatever I have in front of me, just taking care of that. So really this year, it's just about understanding that and growing that and adding on to the process. So we're ready for this season. So each year is its own and it's new and we're excited to attack ahead on. Jackson, at what point in your life did you realize you can do something very special on a football field? That's a good question. I would have to say early, I would have to say very early. Some people might have thought I was crazy or just living in a different world, but I think the confidence that my parents and my family instilled into me that I can do whatever I put my mind to,

3:05with the right faith, with the right attitude and the right dream, the right belief would get me there in hard work, obviously. So just understanding that out of young age, I truly believed it and been playing this game for a long time and then catching a football since I was three years old. So I always had dreams and aspirations of being here. So it's truly a blessing. Who motivates you? What motivates you on and off the field? Yeah, I mean, that's a good question. What motivates me? I would say I'm really, I wouldn't say motivated, just driven to better my ultimate self, to find my ultimate self each year, each opportunity, each day that I get, just trying to build on that and to get closer to

4:06God, to get closer to family, to get closer to my teammates. Just live the way I'm supposed to live and to encourage others and be there for my friends and family. And football is a part of that. It is something that I do. It is a tool that was given to me to shine light on Jesus Christ and the things that I'm doing for him. That I'm doing for him. Jackson, I've talked to some players who want a Super Bowl and they've told me that it's changed their life instantly and forever. And then I've talked to some players who said, after a few days, a couple of weeks, that that feeling kind of wears off and it's more like, all right, what's next? And for some, there's been even a feeling of emptiness. Maybe their identity was in the wrong place. So what's it been like for you? What's winning a Super Bowl been like? And how has it kind of impacted your life?

5:10How it impacted me? I mean, on... Really, I mean, that's good because I try to not let it impact me as in who I am and my goals and who I want to be. And my values and stuff like that. Really, the only things that's really changed is, of course, is the media obviously got a sign to contract this spring. But I wouldn't say that would change my lifestyle. Like I would not want it to change my lifestyle just because I get a little bit of money or I win a Super Bowl. So now my morals are all over the place. Now I need this, this and this. Really just sticking to who I am, honestly, has always been the plan and something that I wanted for myself

6:11and for teammates and others. And I think with the stability of, you know, Christ in my life, I think that's what he brings. And yeah, that's what I would say on that. Sam D'Arnold joined the team last year and led you guys to a Super Bowl. And to me, Sam is probably one of the best stories of perseverance and overcoming adversity. And yet people still doubt him. And I'll admit I was one of those who always doubted Sam D'Arnold. What have you seen from him that kind of leads you to believe he can continue to sustain that success and maybe even get better? Yeah, I would say just his will to move forward. And kind of the things that I've said, I mean, I don't see a change in him from the aspects of trying to look, trying to look a certain way or trying to, to be somebody he's not, you know,

7:12Sam is Sam and, you know, we love him around the city and the building and he's one of our leaders. So I think his drive to just get better and just to find the opportunity and the day to get better and to motivate his teammates, you know, I've seen the only thing that's changed is that he's just leveled up a little bit more with the relationships that we've built in him getting even more comfortable to share with me or teammates, coaches, his viewpoint and standpoint and what's going on and off the field. So I'm excited to see what he does this year for us. How much do you appreciate playing for a coach like Mike McDonald? Man, he's one of the best coaches, not the best coaches, you know, I could ask for just our relationship being able to come with him with anything and for him to be there and being very understanding and to create a culture around the building

8:15and kind of around the city. You know, he has a big footprint on that. So yeah, it's been a blessing to have him as my coach. How much has changed for the offense with a new coordinator? I would just say, you know, the language, just meeting Flurry and understanding who he is and, you know, his mentality and his viewpoint on how he sees this offense moving forward. I would say those are the biggest changes just relationship-wise. But, you know, when it comes to, you know, the plays and kind of what we want to do, it's kind of similar, you know, he's going to have his own spices, his own personality to it, but a lot of the stuff is similar and stuff that we know and stuff that we know we're good at. Jackson, you and Chefsett Levy created a special menu that's going to debut at Lumen Field this season. So it certainly sounds like you and the 12s

9:17are going to have a feast. What can we expect on that menu? Yeah, you can expect to see some good items from Levy, was able to partner up with them this year and, you know, kind of get back to the 12s and some good stuff. You got some Yakima and steak noodles, you know, I've never heard of that, you know, in the game, but try it for the first time. It was amazing, really good stuff. I'll be eating it after the game. You have to JSN nachos, the jerk salmon nachos, which, you know, you can't go wrong with some nachos out of football game and then put some Seattle salmon on there delicious. So I'm excited for everyone to try it this year while they're watching this play. Well, they're going to get an opportunity to try all those new food items out and watch you guys raise that banner. Have you thought about what it's going to be like in that environment, Super Bowl rematch, first time out there, Vince Lombardi Trophy,

10:18I'm sure we'll be on display all of that stuff. It's going to be electric. It's going to be electric. I'm excited trying not to look ahead, you know, we've got a game plan and we've got to make sure we attack each day for what it is, but definitely looking forward to being out there again on this new journey with our new team, you know, a new journey and with our fans. It's going to be awesome. While Jackson, thank you so much for your time. I wish you a ton of blessings and a ton of success. Thank you, I appreciate it. Thanks for having me. Let's go around a league and look at seven of the top storylines entering week one of the NFL season in Pittsburgh. It's Aaron Rogers last dance in the NFL. He's reunited with Mike McCarthy. They won a Super Bowl together in Green Bay. Can he go out on top? Like John L. Way did in Denver all those years ago. I just don't think the Steelers have enough

11:19to win a Super Bowl in Kansas City. How long will it take Patrick Mahomes to look like the old Patrick Mahomes? He's going to start week one, but he had ACL surgery just nine months ago. It usually takes quarterbacks and most players a little bit longer to feel like themselves. So it could take Patrick several weeks. The Rams, well, we know they're big favorites to win the Super Bowl after adding Aaron Donald, Miles Garrett, all of those additions they made in the off season. Will they live up to the hype? And also does reigning at a NFL MVP, Matthew Stafford, at some point, will he show any signs of age? Green Bay. Can a Packers survive without Mike Parsons until he's back maybe next month? Remember, they were O and five without him last year. In Philly, will new Eagles offensive coordinator, Sean Mannion, unlock more from Jalen Hertz, Sequan Barkley, and what could be a dynamic offense.

12:21And then the Cowboys. Do they finally have what it takes to compete for a title? No team has gone longer without appearing in the NFC Championship game than the Dallas Cowboys, hard to believe. And last is this the year, Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen, finally get to the Super Bowl. More on that coming up in ProPix. I'm excited about ProPix because we spent the preseason looking at over under wins for teams. We looked at player props. Now it's time for the real action and we'll start with that four pack of picks. Last year, the four pack was 51, 20, and one. That's a 7, 15 winning percentage. Overall, because I pick every single game. Last year, straight up, 194, 90 and one, 68% winning against the spread, 149, 128, and eight. That's 54%. Best bet was 15 and six straight up,

13:229, 11 and one against the spread. My upset specials were 14 and seven straight up, 15 and six against the spread. My best bet to start the season, well, I'm gonna go to Philly and look at Washington against the Eagles. The Eagles are five and a half point favorites. And I already mentioned Jalen Hertz beginning another season with a new offensive coordinator, Sean Manion replaced Kevin Petulo. I'm expecting a big year for Jalen. I think, Sequan Barclay's gonna have a big year. And I see Devon Tess Smith and McCoy Levin more than make out for the loss of AJ Brown. Now, the commanders who, they were in the NFC championship game just two years ago. Their defense was terrible last season. They added sunny styles in the draft. Got a couple more pieces, but they've got a banged up offensive line that's gonna struggle to protect Jalen Daniels against Jalen Carter and the rest of Philly's fierce defense. I'm gonna go Eagles 31, commanders 16.

14:22I'm looking at Monday night football for my upset special, Denver at Kansas City and the Chiefs despite winning six games last year in Patrick Mahomes coming back from that injury. While they're two and a half point favorites against the Denver Broncos team that made it to the NFC championship and may have one night game if Bo-Nix wasn't injured. So Mahomes is back, Tours ACL December 14. Their first losing season last year under Andy Reed. Big challenge for Mahomes here against Denver's defense. They're loaded, they've got a ton of talent. Bo-Nix is back for the Broncos after he had an ankle injury and that's why he missed the NFC title game against New England. He's got a new playmaker in Jalen Waddle. Denver's won three in a row in this series. They've won four of five and that came after losing 16 straight. Now they're the underdogs against the team that won six games last year. Sean Payton's gonna have him ready. I'm gonna go with the Denver Broncos

15:23to win this game outright 23-20. Next, let's look at Cleveland at Jacksonville. The Jaguars are seven and a half point favorites. They won 13 games last season in Liam Cones first year as head coach. They have most of their starters back 19 of 22. Cones, to me he's one of the best coaches in the NFL and Trevor Lawrence. He had a great season last year and his first year, I think he could thrive. He could go to another level with Liam this year. The Browns mean while they traded away Miles Gary and they're starting to Sean Watson. His first start since October 2024. I mean really, the Sean Watson, this one, it's not gonna be close. Jaguars 27-12. And last Chicago at Carolina, the Bears are two and a half point favorites. This is a matchup between two teams that won their division last year, although Carolina did it with a losing record. Expectations are really high for Caleb Williams in his second season in Ben Johnson's offense.

16:23And just like Cones and Trevor Lawrence, I think Caleb Williams in Ben Johnson could go to another level with another year together. They had some key injuries in the summer, especially on defense. I don't know if Johnson's gonna rip his shirt off after this game, but get ready for another good, better, best chant in Chicago's locker room. I'm gonna take the Bears 24-18. Now, it's time to give you my Super Bowl prediction. Last year, I was way off. I had the Eagles going back, but losing to the Chiefs. I had the Eagles beating the Chiefs in 2024. And I'm always gonna remind you about that because I nailed it. Both teams were in Eagles one that game, but I got it wrong last year. And this year, the Rams are their clear favorites, but it's an easy pick. I'm gonna go with the Eagles again. One of the most talented rosters in the NFL, a potentially dynamic offense, a top five defense. And Nick Suryani's never lost to Sean McVeigh. For it out.

17:25I've got the Eagles over the Rams in the NFC Championship game. And then in the AFC, I've got Joe Brady as a rookie head coach in Josh Allen finally getting the bills over the hump and back to the Super Bowl for the first time since they lost four in a row back in the 90s. They'll beat the Houston Texans in the AFC title game. Eagles bills in the Super Bowl. And I'll go with another parade on Broad Street in Philly. So for the full preseason picks and all of the week one games, you can check out APnews.com for pro picks. With the season getting underway, fantasy focus is gonna do this every week. We're gonna go start, sit, sleep, or especially for those of you who are on various leagues and you're picking up different players and starting daily leagues and weekly leagues and all that stuff. So my must start of the week is gonna be Joe Barrow. I love to match up against Tampa Bay's defense. Now the Bucks got rookie edge Rubin Bain

18:25who I think's gonna get some pressure. He may get Joe Barrow once or twice but that secondary is a weakness and Barrow is gonna exploit it. So he's my must start. For sit, I'm gonna look at a guy who is had a tremendous career and he's a first ballot hall of fame or derrick Henry against the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts allowed the fourth fewest rushing guards last season, only 3.9 yards per carry. I think Lamar can throw the ball against Indy. I don't like derrick Henry running the ball. And for my sleeper, I'm gonna go Kyler Mary playing his first game with the Vikings. He doesn't have to worry about Micah Parsons cause he's out on a sideline for Green Bay, recovering still from his ACL injury. I think Murray can have a sneaky good game at home. So I'm gonna go must start Joe Barrow, sit derrick Henry and sleeper Kyler Mary. My final word this week is gonna be on overreacting. There's gonna be teams that win, their season opener, there's gonna be teams that lose, their season opener.

19:26None of them are done for the season. Everybody's still gonna be in it and have an opportunity. And now of course we know there's a handful of teams that have a legitimate chance at winning a Super Bowl, but let's not overreact to what we see in the first week of the season. Too many people are gonna be talking about who's an MVP on Monday, and which team's gonna win a Super Bowl on Sunday night? Take it easy, enjoy the process. It's a long football season. My next Sunday office in until February 21st. So enjoy the process. Don't overreact to one week of action. That's it for this week. Thank you to Jackson Smith and Jigba. Thank you to Hayah Pinchwani for producing this episode. And thank you for watching and listening to AP's football unfiltered with Rob Mady. I hope you like the new name. I hope you go to YouTube and download and subscribe and wherever else you get your podcast. And make sure you check out all of our NFL coverage at APnews.com.