Philadelphia Eagles' DeVonta Smith Shines Bright in Training Camp
The Philadelphia Eagles are witnessing an outstanding performance from their star wide receiver, DeVonta Smith, as he comes off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. Smith has not only proven himself on game days but also emerged as a standout player during the Eagles' training camp, consistently making catches and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to his craft.
Aaron Moorhead, Smith's position coach, could not be more pleased with his performance. "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, highlighting the wide receiver's growth and confidence.
Smith's relentless work ethic and attention to detail have not gone unnoticed. In seven practices, he has shown a consistency that has impressed both coaches and teammates. Moorhead believes that Smith's high standards and meticulous execution of routine plays are what set him apart. "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 explains.
Smith's aspirations extend beyond personal performance. He is determined to elevate his football IQ and situational awareness, which he identifies as crucial areas for 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," Smith articulated, demonstrating his keen understanding of the game's complexities.
Such a mindset has translated into his stats, with Smith accumulating 240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards in his first three seasons, the most in Eagles history. This remarkable accomplishment underscores his significance to the team and his potential to become one of the all-time greats. His coach echoes this sentiment. "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 remarked, acknowledging both Smith's excellence and his room for growth.
Smith's determination is further fueled by a recent contract extension worth $25 million per year, aligning his financial rewards with his on-field contributions. However, the wide receiver remains grounded, asserting that continual improvement is his primary focus. "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 noted, a testament to his relentless drive to better himself.
Moorhead's praise goes beyond mere performance metrics. He cherishes Smith's dedication to mastering the fundamentals of the sport. "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," he stated, underscoring the importance of basics in achieving greatness.
As the Eagles gear up for another challenging NFL season, Smith's commitment to improvement and his extraordinary talent will undoubtedly play a pivotal role. His journey, from an exceptional training camp to potentially record-breaking seasons, is a narrative filled with promise and potential.
The Philadelphia Eagles and their fans can look forward to witnessing DeVonta Smith's continued ascendancy in the world of professional football. His blend of skill, intelligence, and work ethic makes him a key figure in the team's aspirations for success.
"I have great receivers," Moorhead concluded, encapsulating the high expectations and confidence placed on Smith and his fellow wide receivers. With the bar set high, DeVonta Smith is poised to soar even higher.