As DeVonta Smith gears up for another season with the Philadelphia Eagles, the star wide receiver is proving why he remains one of the most integral parts of their offense. Emerging from back-to-back 1,000-yard campaigns, Smith's recent display at the Eagles' training camp has been nothing short of exceptional, solidifying his status as a key player to watch this year.
Training Camp Standout
Smith has been a standout presence in the Eagles' training camp, impressing both his teammates and coaching staff. His consistency over seven practices, marked by routine catches and meticulous attention to detail, has not gone unnoticed. Aaron Moorhead, Smith's position coach, couldn't contain his admiration for the young receiver. "He's had as good of a camp that he's had probably since I've been here with him," Moorhead remarked. "His confidence is through the roof, and he's continuing just to master his craft."
The Drive for Perfection
For Smith, being on the field is not just about making big plays; it's about doing his job perfectly, even when the ball doesn't come 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," he explained.
Moorhead echoed this sentiment, highlighting Smith's diligence in refining every aspect of his game. "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 noted. This attention to minutiae and a relentless drive to perfect routine plays is what sets Smith apart. "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 added.
Record-Breaking Stats
Smith's statistics speak volumes about his impact. With 240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards over his first three seasons, he holds the record for the most in Eagles history. This track record, combined with his consistent performance and critical role within the team, underscores why he secured a contract extension worth $25 million per year. The Eagles clearly recognize his value and are invested in his continued development.
The Quest for Improvement
Despite his achievements, Smith maintains a mindset of perpetual growth. "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 stated. This mindset isn't just about physical skills but extends to his football intelligence. "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 emphasized.
High Standards and High Confidence
Smith has set high standards for himself, focusing on situational awareness and football IQ, areas he believes can always be enhanced. This dedication to self-improvement is complemented by Moorhead's belief in his potential. "I have great receivers," Moorhead proudly declared, acknowledging the high caliber of talent in his squad.
Smith's phenomenal camp performance has not just been about his already impressive stats but about continuing to solidify his place as a leading wide receiver. He approaches each day with the mindset of doing his job to the best of his ability, embodying the very essence of professionalism and dedication that the Eagles and their fans expect.
As the new season looms, all eyes will be on DeVonta Smith to see if he can not only meet but exceed the high expectations set before him. With his exceptional skill, relentless work ethic, and an unyielding drive to improve, Smith is poised to make a significant impact on the Eagles' quest for success.