DeVonta Smith Shines in Philadelphia Eagles' Camp, Eyes Further Improvement
DeVonta Smith has firmly established himself as a pivotal wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles. Following two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, Smith has continued to impress, making him one of the standout players during the Eagles' training camp this year.
Under the guidance of position coach Aaron Moorhead, Smith has demonstrated remarkable consistency in making catches throughout seven practices. Moorhead, who has been closely monitoring Smith's progress, is full of praise for the wide 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.
This surge in confidence comes at a critical time for Smith, who is not only focused on delivering stellar performances but also on improving 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 explained.
Consistency and attention to detail are hallmarks of Smith's training regimen, and these attributes haven't gone unnoticed by Moorhead. "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 said, emphasizing his commitment to excellence.
Moorhead echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of 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," he mentioned. This illustrates the meticulous approach that both coach and player are taking to ensure Smith remains at the top of his game.
Stepping into his fourth season, Smith has garnered impressive statistics, amassing 240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards, the most in Eagles' history for a player within the first three seasons. This outstanding performance has solidified his status within the team, leading to a contract extension worth $25 million per year.
Smith's aspirations don't stop at stats and salary, though. His commitment to self-improvement is a driving force. "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 noted, highlighting Smith's ongoing quest for perfection.
Smith himself remains humble yet determined, acknowledging that his journey is one of continuous 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 reflected. This mindset is likely a key factor in why he's managed to remain a prominent figure on the field, always searching for ways to elevate his game.
As the Eagles gear up for the upcoming season, hopes are high that Smith's hard work and dedication will translate into even greater success. Moorhead's confidence in his player's abilities is clear. "I have great receivers," he stated, a simple yet powerful testament to the talent and potential present in the Eagles' roster.
In the high-stakes world of professional football, where precision and resilience can make or break a career, DeVonta Smith's unwavering commitment to perfecting his craft stands out. Whether it's his relentless pursuit of football IQ or his attention to executing routine plays, Smith is a player whose eyes are firmly set on the next level, ensuring that both he and the Eagles soar to new heights in the seasons to come.