As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for the upcoming NFL season, all eyes are on DeVonta Smith, the team's star wide receiver who has continued to turn heads during training camp. Smith, known for his remarkable consistency and commitment to improvement, is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, and expectations are sky-high for the 2023 campaign.
Smith Rising to New Heights
Under the watchful eye of position coach Aaron Moorhead, Smith has been a standout performer throughout seven practices. Moorhead, who has worked closely with Smith, couldn't be more pleased with his progress. "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 said.
This high level of confidence appears to be one of the driving forces behind Smith's remarkable displays on the field. With every catch, he cements his status as a vital cog in the Eagles' offensive machine. Smith's dedication to the sport and relentless pursuit of excellence have impressed not only his coaches but also his teammates.
A Commitment to Improvement
Despite already setting high standards, Smith believes there's always room for growth. "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 mindset underscores his commitment to constantly evolving as a player, addressing every detail that could enhance his performance.
Smith's journey thus far has been nothing short of spectacular. With 240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards over his first three seasons, he has already etched his name in the Eagles' history books. These statistics reflect not only his talent but also his reliability and consistency, attributes that the Eagles will be counting on as they aim for a successful season.
Attention to Detail and Routine
Smith's tireless work ethic has not gone unnoticed by Moorhead, who appreciates the wide receiver's attention to detail. "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 explained. This awareness of even the smallest technical aspects speaks volumes about Smith's meticulous approach to the game.
Smith himself is focused on refining the routine aspects of his play. "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. By mastering the routine, he aims to maximize his impact on every play, leaving no opportunity unseized.
The Road Ahead
As Smith continues to hone his craft, he remains keenly aware of the importance of routine execution. "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 echoed. This consistent effort to perfect the basics is what sets Smith apart from many of his peers.
With a new contract extension worth $25 million per year, Smith has solidified his place as a cornerstone of the Eagles' offense. However, the money does not seem to be the driving factor; it's the passion for the game and the relentless pursuit of excellence that fuel his ambitions. "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 stated.
As the Eagles gear up for another season, the focus will undoubtedly be on Smith's ability to deliver on the field. With a strong training camp behind him and an unwavering commitment to improvement, all signs point to another stellar season for Philadelphia's dynamic wide receiver. Whether he's making the spectacular catch or executing the routine play to perfection, DeVonta Smith is poised to make an indelible impact on the NFL once again.