DeVonta Smith's Standout Performance in Eagles' Training Camp
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith continues to impress as he prepares for the upcoming NFL season. Coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, Smith is showing no signs of slowing down, further establishing himself as a key player in the Eagles' offensive lineup.
Under the watchful eye of his position coach, Aaron Moorhead, Smith has been a standout player in the Eagles' 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 remarked. This high praise from Moorhead is reflective of Smith's performance, particularly his consistency in making catches during seven practices.
The numbers back up the narrative. Smith has tallied 240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards in his first three seasons, the most in Eagles history. These achievements have not gone unnoticed, as Smith recently signed a lucrative contract extension worth $25 million per year. Despite this financial success, Smith remains humble and driven, always seeking to elevate his game. "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 said.
Committed to Growth and Excellence
Smith's hunger for improvement is apparent in his approach to both practice and games. He has expressed a clear desire to enhance his football IQ and situational awareness. "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 noted.
This quest for growth is supported by Moorhead, who values Smith’s commitment to perfecting his craft. “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 emphasized.
High Standards and Routine Excellence
Smith sets high personal standards, focusing on executing routine plays with precision. This attention to detail is something Moorhead 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 observed. The importance of routine plays is echoed in Smith’s own words and performance, highlighting his commitment to consistency.
This consistency is not just about making headline-grabbing plays but also about contributing to the team in any way possible. "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, acknowledging the areas where Smith aims to improve.
As the Eagles gear up for the new season, Smith's performance in training camp, combined with his impressive career stats, sets a promising tone for what lies ahead. Under Moorhead's guidance, Smith’s confidence and determination are poised to translate into yet another standout year on the field. "I have great receivers," Moorhead said with confidence, encapsulating the optimism surrounding the Eagles' receiving corps, led by Smith.
With his unparalleled work ethic and relentless pursuit of excellence, DeVonta Smith is not just aiming to meet expectations—he's aiming to set new standards. And as he steps onto the field, fans and teammates alike can expect to witness a player who is truly mastering his craft, one catch at a time.