Philadelphia Eagles' DeVonta Smith: Raising the Bar in Training Camp
As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for another NFL season, all eyes are on wide receiver DeVonta Smith. Emerging from back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, Smith enters this year’s training camp with elevated expectations and a hunger for improvement.
Smith's stellar performance hasn't gone unnoticed, especially by his position coach, Aaron Moorhead. "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. Smith's consistency has been palpable, making catches in all seven practices so far, demonstrating his exceptional skill set.
High Standards and Attention to Detail
Smith has set incredibly high standards for himself, focusing not merely on individual statistics but on his broader contribution 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," said Smith. This meticulous attention to detail reflects his dedication to excellence and team success.
Moorhead echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Smith's 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 explained.
Accumulating Records, Seeking Growth
In his first three seasons with the Eagles, Smith has notched 240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards, setting a franchise record. Despite these impressive numbers, Smith signed a contract extension worth $25 million per year, affirming his value to the team and his commitment to the sport. Consistently pushing himself to new heights, Smith believes there's always room for growth. "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.
Football IQ and Situational Awareness
One area Smith is particularly keen on improving is 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 emphasized. His proactive approach to learning underscores his aspiration to be not just a good player, but a great one.
Smith’s quest for continuous improvement is something Moorhead appreciates deeply. "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 stated.
A Team Player in Every Sense
Smith's ethos goes beyond individual accolades, focusing on contributing to the Eagles' success as a whole. An ethos shared by his mentor and coach. "I have great receivers," says Moorhead, a succinct endorsement of his apprentice's abilities and the broader receiving corps' potential.
The upcoming season promises to be another chapter in Smith's illustrious career. As he continues to hone his craft, his commitment to mastering the nuances of the game and to helping the Eagles achieve their goals remains steadfast. DeVonta Smith's journey is one of tireless effort, relentless ambition, and a continual drive for excellence - qualities that every team cherishes and every fan admires.