DeVonta Smith Shines in Philadelphia Eagles Training Camp
In the world of professional football, it's one thing to break onto the scene with a splash but quite another to maintain and build on that success year after year. Philadelphia Eagles' wide receiver DeVonta Smith is proving he's no flash in the pan. As he enters his fourth season, Smith is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and shows no signs of slowing down. His performance in the Eagles' training camp has been nothing short of spectacular, with his position coach, Aaron Moorhead, singing his praises.
"He's had as good of a camp that he's had probably since I've been here with him," Moorhead said. "His confidence is through the roof, and he's continuing just to master his craft."
Smith's success can be attributed to his tireless work ethic and unrelenting desire for self-improvement. Despite his impressive stats—240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards in his first three seasons, the most in Eagles history—Smith isn't resting on his laurels. He's focused on sharpening his football IQ and situational awareness to better prepare for the upcoming season.
"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."
Moorhead echoed Smith’s sentiment on the importance of continual improvement, pointing out the areas where Smith can still grow. "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.
Smith's consistency in making catches during seven practices has been remarkable, and his attention to detail is something his coach deeply appreciates. "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 further elaborated.
Smith has set high standards for himself and believes in doing his job well, even if he doesn't always get the ball. "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 explained.
One significant milestone for Smith is his recent contract extension, securing his future with the Eagles at $25 million per year. Yet, it's clear the money hasn't diluted his drive. "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 declared.
Having a player like Smith who not only performs at the highest level but also consistently looks to refine his craft is invaluable for the Eagles. His attitude and dedication resonate through the entire team, raising the bar for what it means to be a professional.
"I have great receivers," Moorhead succinctly stated, showing his confidence in the squad and, particularly, in Smith's capacity to lead and inspire through his example.
As the season approaches, fans and analysts alike will have their eyes on Smith. His ability to remain open, execute plays, and set a sterling example of professionalism and consistency makes him a cornerstone of the Eagles’ offense. And with his current trajectory and mindset, DeVonta Smith is poised not just to be a vital asset to his team, but to carve out a lasting legacy in the NFL.