As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for the new season, one player standing out in training camp is wide receiver DeVonta Smith. The versatile receiver has been the talk of the camp, showcasing his remarkable skill set on a daily basis. Smith, who is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, is looking to build on his already impressive resume.
A Stellar Start to Training Camp
"He's had as good of a camp that he's had probably since I've been here with him," said Aaron Moorhead, Smith's position coach. "His confidence is through the roof, and he's continuing just to master his craft." Moorhead's praise comes as no surprise to those who have watched Smith closely. Through seven practices, Smith has been a consistent playmaker, making catch after catch and demonstrating why he is one of the team's most valuable assets.
Chasing Greatness
Despite his success, Smith remains focused on improving. He acknowledges that there are areas in his game he wants to refine, especially his football IQ and situational awareness. "You always want to improve your football IQ. That's something you can always grow on," Smith remarked. "There might be situations we have this year that we didn't run into last year. So situational football and football IQ."
Moorhead concurs with Smith's assessment, noting that while Smith has had two very productive seasons, there's still room for growth. "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."
Setting the Bar Higher
Smith's dedication to his craft is evident, not only in how he approaches each practice but also in how he sets different measures of success. "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."
Moorhead is particularly impressed with Smith's attention to detail and his commitment to executing routine plays flawlessly. "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."
A Winning Partnership
The relationship between Smith and Moorhead seems to be a crucial element in Smith's development. Moorhead's coaching philosophy aligns well with Smith's drive for excellence, creating an environment where Smith can thrive. "I have great receivers," Moorhead said, underlining the mutual respect and positive dynamic between coach and player.
A Career on the Rise
Looking at Smith's statistics, it's clear why there's so much excitement around him. With the most receptions (240) and receiving yards (3,178) after his first three seasons in Eagles history, Smith has set a high bar for himself and his peers. His recent contract extension, which pays him $25 million per year, is a testament to his value to the team and his potential for future greatness.
The Road Ahead
As the season approaches, the focus will be on how Smith translates his strong camp performance into game-day success. His ability to remain disciplined, execute routine plays, and continue his growth in football IQ will be critical. "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 noted.
For Eagles fans, the prospect of seeing DeVonta Smith elevate his game further promises an exciting season ahead. With his blend of talent, work ethic, and the support of a dedicated coach like Moorhead, Smith is poised to continue making history in Philadelphia.