Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith continues to impress as he gears up for another standout season. Known for his work ethic and precision, Smith is coming off two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, an achievement that underscores his consistency and talent on the field.
Under the meticulous guidance of position coach Aaron Moorhead, Smith has been a standout 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 observed, highlighting the progression and confidence that Smith has shown throughout the preseason.
Consistency and Dedication
Smith's remarkable performance is not just limited to game days. Over seven practices, he has consistently made crucial catches, demonstrating not only his physical prowess but also his mental stamina and focus. Moorhead further emphasized Smith's attention to detail, stating, "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."
Smith, ever the perfectionist, is also focused on refining his techniques and improving his football IQ. "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," said Smith, indicating his commitment to becoming a more well-rounded player.
High Standards and Self-Improvement
Smith has set high standards for himself, ensuring that even when the ball is not thrown his way, he remains a valuable asset to the team. "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. It is this mindset that keeps Smith pushing the envelope, always striving for excellence.
His dedication is reflected in his impressive career statistics. With 240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards in his first three seasons, Smith has set a new benchmark in Eagles history. Yet, for Smith, it is clear that records are just an outcome of his relentless drive to improve. "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 noted, a testament to his continuous pursuit of perfection.
Support and Appreciation
Moorhead's appreciation for Smith extends beyond on-field performance. He values Smith's ability to execute routine plays with precision. "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 said. This close attention to fundamentals is what sets great players apart, and Smith is no exception.
The bond between Smith and his coach is evident in their mutual respect and shared goals. Moorhead summed it up succinctly, "I have great receivers," a simple yet profound endorsement of the talent and hard work that Smith brings to the team.
Smith's dedication and consistent performance have not gone unnoticed by the Eagles, who have rewarded him with a contract extension worth $25 million per year. This investment signifies not just confidence in Smith's current abilities but also in his potential to grow even further.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on DeVonta Smith to see how he builds on his already stellar career. For Smith, the quest for improvement is endless, and with the solid support of coaches and teammates, his future looks exceptionally bright.