Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith continues to prove his worth on the field, coming off an impressive streak of back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. Smith’s performance in the team's recent training camp has further cemented his reputation as a standout player, consistently making catches and displaying an unwavering commitment to improving his game.
Training Camp Excellence
Smith's position coach, Aaron Moorhead, has been vocal about Smith’s exceptional performance in training camp. "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 stated. This high praise from Moorhead reflects the noticeable growth and confidence in Smith's approach to the game.
Smith's ability to execute routine plays with precision and maintain a high degree of attention to detail has not gone unnoticed. Moorhead emphasized this, saying, "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." Such dedication to the fundamentals is a testament to Smith's professional mindset and relentless pursuit of excellence.
Setting High Standards
Smith himself has set lofty standards for his performance, emphasizing the importance of doing his job effectively, 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 explained. This focus on process over outcome is one of the key attributes driving his success.
Further, Smith is adamant about continually enhancing his football IQ and situational awareness to adapt to the ever-evolving dynamics of the game. "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 remarked, underscoring his commitment to growth.
A Record-Breaking Start
In his first three seasons, Smith has amassed 240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards, setting a new benchmark in Eagles history. His consistent on-field performance and ability to deliver under pressure have made him an invaluable asset to the team. Moorhead highlighted this aspect by acknowledging, "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."
This attention to fine-tuning his technique and maximizing every opportunity has clearly paid off for Smith, earning him a lucrative contract extension worth $25 million per year. This deal not only signifies the team’s belief in his potential but also places additional responsibility on Smith to continue leading by example and delivering high-caliber performances.
Continuous Improvement
Despite his impressive stats and achievements, Smith maintains a humble outlook and a desire to keep improving. He declared, "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." This mindset ensures that Smith remains focused and motivated, constantly seeking to enhance his game and contribute to the Eagles' success.
Moorhead also credited the entire group of receivers he coaches, demonstrating a genuine appreciation for the team effort. "I have great receivers," he said, which underscores the collaborative environment fostered within the Eagles' camp. This camaraderie and mutual respect among players and coaches have undoubtedly played a significant role in the team's overall performance and cohesion.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on DeVonta Smith to see if he can continue his upward trajectory and further solidify his place among the NFL’s elite wide receivers. With his talent, work ethic, and mental fortitude, Smith is poised to make a significant impact and lead the Philadelphia Eagles to new heights.