DeVonta Smith: Confidence and Excellence on the Rise
DeVonta Smith, the Philadelphia Eagles' standout wide receiver, continues to impress both teammates and coaches alike. Coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, Smith's trajectory suggests he's just getting started. Contributing an impressive 240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards in his first three seasons, Smith has set a new benchmark for performance in Eagles history.
A significant factor behind Smith's consistent success is his dedication to improvement and attention to detail. His position coach, Aaron Moorhead, has been particularly vocal about Smith's growth and burgeoning confidence during training camp. "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.
Such mastery doesn't come without a rigorous focus on the fundamentals. Moorhead underscores Smith's relentless drive to refine even the most routine plays, a trait that sets him apart. "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 emphasized, hinting at Smith's pursuit of perfection.
Smith's rigorous approach extends beyond the physical aspects of the game. He is equally committed to enhancing 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. This relentless quest for improvement is part of what makes Smith such a valuable asset to the Eagles.
While his talent on the field is unmistakable, it's Smith's professionalism and dedication that truly resonate with those around him. Moorhead often highlights Smith's commitment to executing his responsibilities, regardless of where the ball lands. "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 articulated, showing his understanding of the larger team dynamic.
Smith's dedication hasn't gone unnoticed. His remarkable performances earned him a contract extension worth $25 million per year, a testament to the Eagles' confidence in his abilities and future contributions. Yet, despite this lucrative deal, Smith remains humble and focused on self-improvement. "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 remarked.
Moorhead's admiration for Smith is apparent. He acknowledges the rare combination of skill, intelligence, and work ethic that Smith brings to the team. "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, reflecting on the continuous refinement that defines Smith's approach to the game.
In a training camp noteworthy for its intensity and competition, Smith has consistently stood out. His seven-practice streak of uninterrupted catches speaks volumes about his reliability and technical prowess. As Moorhead succinctly put it, "I have great receivers," underscoring the high-caliber talent within the Eagles' roster, with Smith often leading the charge.
As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for another promising season, all eyes will be on DeVonta Smith, whose blend of talent, dedication, and continuous striving for excellence sets a high standard. Whether it's expanding his football IQ or ensuring flawless execution of routine plays, Smith exemplifies the qualities of a true professional. Fans and teammates alike eagerly await what the future holds for this exceptional wide receiver.