DeVonta Smith has been making headlines for the Philadelphia Eagles, and for good reason. The wide receiver has been a consistent performer, especially noteworthy for back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. Now, he's being lauded for his exceptional performance in the Eagles' training camp.
Performance on the Field
Smith's position coach, Aaron Moorhead, couldn't be more impressed with the wideout's recent form. "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 shared. The praise doesn’t stop there; Smith has been remarkably consistent in making catches during seven practices, indicating a heightened level of preparedness for the upcoming season.
Over his first three seasons with the Eagles, Smith has recorded 240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards, the most in Eagles history for that period. This kind of performance demonstrates his significance to the team and his ability to deliver under pressure. It’s not surprising that Smith recently signed a contract extension worth a substantial $25 million per year, reflecting his value and the high expectations the Eagles have for him.
Aiming Higher
Despite his impressive statistics, Smith isn't resting on his laurels. "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," Smith explained. His desire to refine his game extends beyond just catching the ball; it includes understanding the nuances of situational football, which can often make the difference between winning and losing.
Coach Moorhead concurs with Smith’s self-assessment, emphasizing the importance of continual 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.
Beyond Individual Success
Smith's ambition extends to setting high standards not just for himself but for the team. "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," he shared. His focus isn't solely on personal glory but on contributing to the team’s success in every possible way.
Attention to Detail
Moorhead also appreciates Smith's meticulous approach to his craft. "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 noted. This attention to the fundamentals, combined with Smith’s raw talent, sets a strong foundation for continued success.
Moorhead has high hopes for the receiving corps as a whole, stating, "I have great receivers." With Smith leading the charge, the Eagles are in a strong position to excel in the passing game this season.
Looking Forward
As the new season approaches, Smith remains focused on improvement. "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 said. This mindset will no doubt drive him to continue pushing boundaries and elevate his performance even further.
DeVonta Smith’s dedication, coupled with the guidance of Coach Aaron Moorhead, positions him as a cornerstone of the Eagles' future. His consistent performance, ambition for improvement, and attention to detail are traits that not only make him a standout player but also a hopeful beacon for greater accomplishments with the Philadelphia Eagles.