DeVonta Smith: A Rising Star in Philadelphia Eagles' Lineup
DeVonta Smith continues to solidify his reputation as a premier wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles. Fresh off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, Smith is not only meeting, but exceeding the high expectations set for him since he joined the Eagles.
Performance in Training Camp
Smith has been a standout player in the Eagles' training camp, impressing both coaches and teammates alike. His position coach, Aaron Moorhead, couldn't be more pleased. "He's had as good of a camp that he's had probably since I've been here with him. His confidence is through the roof, and he's continuing just to master his craft," Moorhead remarked.
This level of high performance isn’t a sudden breakthrough for Smith, who has been consistent in making catches during seven consecutive practices. His attention to detail and focus on executing routine plays have been lauded by his coaching staff, particularly Moorhead. "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.
Setting High Standards
Smith is notorious for his relentless pursuit of excellence and growth. Even with his impressive stat line of 240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards over his first three seasons—the most in Eagles' history—Smith believes in continuous improvement. "You always want to improve your football IQ. 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," noted Smith.
Commitment to Team Success
What sets Smith apart is his intrinsic motivation to better himself for the benefit of the team. His commitment is not just about personal statistics but about contributing to the greater good of the Eagles' offense. "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.
This mindset resonates with his coaches and teammates. Aaron Moorhead, who has overseen Smith’s development, appreciates this characteristic. "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 expressed.
Looking Ahead
The Eagles recently rewarded Smith’s relentless pursuit of excellence and his immense contributions to the team with a contract extension worth $25 million per year. This significant investment underscores the franchise's confidence in Smith’s abilities and future potential.
While the contract extension is a momentous milestone, Smith remains grounded and focused on the continuous improvement of his game. "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, affirming his commitment to better understanding and mastering the complexities of football.
The Philadelphia Eagles are poised to benefit from Smith’s hard work and determination for years to come. With his high standards and commitment to the team's success, DeVonta Smith not only aims to maintain but elevate the excellence he has established in the NFL.