DeVonta Smith's Impressive Progress with the Philadelphia Eagles
DeVonta Smith, the Philadelphia Eagles' standout wide receiver, has been turning heads once again during the team's latest training camp. Smith, who is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, has been showcasing his skill and dedication, consistently making catches over the course of seven practices. His performance has not gone unnoticed by his position coach, Aaron Moorhead.
Moorhead, who has been working closely with Smith, shared his high praise for the receiver. "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, highlighting the receiver's exceptional form during the camp sessions.
Smith's performance in training camp is a testament to his remarkable consistency and high standards. His 240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards in his first three seasons mark the most in Eagles history, a clear indicator of his impact on the field. Reflecting on his journey, Smith emphasizes the importance of continuous growth and attention to detail. "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 explained.
Smith's commitment to improvement extends beyond physical skills. His approach to the mental aspects of the game is equally rigorous. "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 noted, underlining his team-centric mindset.
Moorhead, too, acknowledges the areas for improvement that Smith is keenly aware of. "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, emphasizing the importance of perfecting even the smallest aspects of playing technique.
Smith's ambition does not stop at personal accolades; he sets high standards for himself in every aspect of the game. "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 reiterated, praising the meticulousness that Smith brings to the field.
His relentless quest to improve and learn is indeed notable, and it mirrors the collective ethos of the Eagles' receiving corps, which Moorhead proudly lauds. "I have great receivers," Moorhead stated succinctly, a nod to the talent and drive within his unit.
Further demonstrating the Eagles' faith in Smith, the franchise inked him to a lucrative contract extension worth $25 million per year. Yet, with all his achievements and financial rewards, Smith remains grounded and focused on his craft. "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 expressed, indicating his relentless pursuit of excellence.
As the new season approaches, the Philadelphia Eagles can take solace in the fact that one of their pivotal players is in peak condition, both physically and mentally. DeVonta Smith's unwavering dedication, coupled with his extraordinary talent, augurs well for the team's prospects. The synergy between Smith's personal goals and the team's objectives sets a promising tone for what lies ahead for the Eagles and their standout receiver. With his eyes set on mastering the intricacies of the game, Smith's journey is poised for further milestones and memorable moments on the gridiron.