DeVonta Smith's Ascending Performance Elevates Eagles' Offense
The Philadelphia Eagles' wide receiver DeVonta Smith has been turning heads as he prepares for what could be another stellar season. Fresh off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, Smith has cemented his role as a key player in the Eagles' offensive arsenal, consistently making catches and showcasing his prowess during training camp.
Consistency and Improvement
Smith's continual growth and persistent efforts do not go unnoticed, particularly by his position coach, Aaron Moorhead. "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." Indeed, Smith's confidence shines through in his consistent performance, marking his third year as a standout player in the Eagles' setup.
This burgeoning confidence is illustrated not only by his impressive stats—240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards in his first three seasons, the most in Eagles history—but also by his unrelenting drive to refine his game. Smith has shown dedication to improving his football IQ and situational awareness, key aspects necessary for an elite NFL wide receiver.
"You always want to improve your football IQ," Smith noted. "That's something you can always grow on. There might be situations we have this year that we didn't run into last year. So situational football and football IQ."
High Standards and Attention to Detail
The high standards Smith sets for himself speak volumes about his commitment to the sport. He strives not only to be open during plays but also to ensure he executes each play to the best of his ability, regardless of whether the ball comes his way. "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 emphasized.
Moorhead shares this appreciation for Smith's meticulous nature. He believes that Smith's attention to detail and ability to execute routine plays are pivotal to his success. "Just doing the routine things. The plays that I left on the field, there were routine things that I wasn't doing. Making sure that I'm constantly doing the routine things so that I'm capitalizing on every play," Moorhead explained.
A Bright Future
Despite his achievements, Smith is unwavering in his belief that there's always room for improvement. "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 said, emphasizing the player's ongoing development.
This drive for continuous improvement translates into Smith's broader outlook on his career. Having signed a contract extension worth $25 million per year, he remains committed to elevating his performance. "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," Smith stated, underscoring his future-oriented mindset.
Moorhead, who confidently proclaims the quality of his receiving group, believes that Smith's potential is unparalleled. "I have great receivers," he succinctly put it, summarizing the current state of the Eagles' receiving corps.
DeVonta Smith's journey is a testament to the synthesis of talent, hard work, and an unyielding quest for excellence. As the Eagles prepare for another season, Smith's presence looms large, a beacon for the team's offensive ambitions.