DeVonta Smith: Elevating His Game to New Heights
DeVonta Smith, the dynamic wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, continues to solidify his reputation as one of the top talents in the NFL. Coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, Smith's prowess on the field is evident not only in the stats but also in the respect he commands from teammates and coaches alike.
Consistency at Camp
Smith's performance in the Eagles' training camp has been nothing short of stellar. Over the course of seven practices, the wide receiver has consistently made impressive catches, a testament to his dedication and skill. His position coach, Aaron Moorhead, has been particularly impressed with Smith's 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 noted.
Aiming for Greater Football IQ
Despite his achievements, Smith remains committed to improving his game, particularly in terms of his football intelligence 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 explained. His desire for continuous growth highlights his dedication to not just mastering his position but understanding the game on a deeper level.
High Standards and Attention to Detail
Moorhead has immense appreciation for Smith's attention to detail and execution of routine plays. "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, indicating that Smith has made significant improvements in this area.
Smith has set lofty standards for himself, ensuring that he remains an asset on the field, 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," Smith emphasized. This mindset of focusing on his role, regardless of direct rewards, is a hallmark of his professional attitude.
Record-Breaking Start
Smith's early NFL career has been nothing short of remarkable. With 240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards in his first three seasons, he has already etched his name in the Eagles' history books. Such numbers are the highest for any player in their first three seasons with the team.
In recognition of his contributions and potential, Smith recently signed a contract extension worth $25 million per year, ensuring that he remains a cornerstone of the Eagles' offense for the foreseeable future.
Always Room for Improvement
Despite his impressive statistics, Smith maintains a humble perspective and a 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," Smith stated. His coach, Moorhead, echoed this sentiment, noting that Smith is aware of areas where he can refine his technique. "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.
As the Eagles gear up for what promises to be an exciting season, DeVonta Smith's ongoing development will be a crucial factor in their success. With his blend of skill, intelligence, and dedication, Smith is positioned to continue making significant contributions to his team, cementing his status as one of the league's premier wide receivers.