DeVonta Smith, known for his agility and impeccable hands, is solidifying his place as a cornerstone for the Philadelphia Eagles. Smith, who has been dazzling fans with his performances over the past three seasons, is coming off consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. With eyes set on yet another spectacular year, Smith has been a highlight in the Eagles' training camp this season.
Training Camp Standout
Aaron Moorhead, the Eagles' wide receivers coach, has seen Smith's growth firsthand. "He's had as good of a camp that he's had probably since I've been here with him," Moorhead remarked. "His confidence is through the roof, and he's continuing just to master his craft." Smith's dedication to honing his skills has been evident through his consistent catches, a testament to his hard work and focus.
Smith’s ability to read plays and reposition himself on the field has improved significantly, an area he is determined to enhance further. "You always want to improve your football IQ. That's something you can always grow on," Smith explained. "There might be situations we have this year that we didn't run into last year. So situational football and football IQ."
Smith's attention to detail is also paying off. "There are plays I think every year he's been here he's left on the field for certain things, and just maybe a technique here, a technique there, and things that would've been big plays for us in games. He knows that," Moorhead noted. "Making sure that I'm constantly doing the routine things so that I'm capitalizing on every play," Moorhead added about Smith’s progress.
Setting High Standards
One of Smith’s defining traits is his self-imposed high standards. His aim is not just to perform when the ball comes his way but to ensure he's doing his job on every play. "Making sure I'm doing my job. If I'm open and the ball doesn't come to me, for me, that's a plus because at the end of the day I still did my job. I was open. So just going out there and making sure I'm putting the right things on tape," Smith said.
Moorhead has great appreciation for the way Smith has executed his role for the team. "I have great receivers," Moorhead asserted, acknowledging the depth of talent in his roster. But even among such a talented group, Smith’s consistency and reliability have made him stand out. Smith has amassed 240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards in his first three seasons—a record in Eagles history that speaks volumes about his contributions and impact.
Beyond the Stats
While Smith's stats are impressive, what truly sets him apart is his relentless pursuit of excellence. Despite signing a lucrative contract extension worth $25 million per year, his drive remains undiminished. Smith believes that constant improvement is crucial and never settles for less. "There's always room for improvement. Every year, you're gonna find something new that you're going to want to put in the toolbox," he declared.
Smith’s mentality resonates well with Moorhead, who values attention to detail and the execution of routine plays—elements that can make a significant difference in critical moments during games. The coach's guidance and Smith’s dedication form a potent combination that is poised to bring about more stellar performances for the Philadelphia Eagles.
As the new season looms, the Eagles' fans have plenty to be excited about. DeVonta Smith's rising trajectory signifies not just individual glory but also potential collective success for the team. With his enhanced football IQ, persistent work ethic, and a zeal for continuous improvement, Smith is not only mastering his craft but also setting a high bar for his peers and those following in his footsteps.