In the ever-competitive world of the NFL, being consistent and continually improving are qualities that separate the good from the great. Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith embodies these traits, coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and maintaining a level of performance that has not gone unnoticed by his coaches and peers.
Consistency and Excellence
Smith's journey with the Eagles has been marked by his exceptional consistency. Over his first three seasons, he has made 240 receptions and accumulated 3,178 receiving yards, the most in Philadelphia Eagles history. Such milestones are no small feat, but for Smith, there’s always more to strive for.
"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, signaling his commitment to continuous growth and evolution in his game.
Impressive Training Camp Performance
This summer, Smith has been a standout player in the Eagles' training camp. His position coach, Aaron Moorhead, has seen a notable upsurge in Smith's confidence and performance. "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," said Moorhead, underscoring the wide receiver's dedication.
Moorhead appreciates Smith's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to execute 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," Moorhead explained, reflecting on the importance of executing fundamentals consistently.
Areas for Growth
Even with these accomplishments, Smith remains hungry for improvement. His focus isn't solely on making spectacular catches but also on enhancing his football IQ and situational awareness. "You always want to improve your football IQ. That's something you can always grow on," Smith emphasized. "There might be situations we have this year that we didn’t run into last year. So situational football and football IQ."
Smith's approach is grounded in practicality and self-accountability. "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," he explained, highlighting his team-first mentality and personal standards.
Looking to the Future
Smith is not just content with being good; he strives for greatness. Moorhead succinctly captured this sentiment when he shared, "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."
This off-season, Smith committed to refining those finer details, with the guidance and support of Moorhead. The trust between player and coach is evident and bodes well for Smith's continued development and success.
Financial Commitment
Smith's hard work and outstanding performance have not only earned him accolades but also financial recognition. He recently signed a contract extension worth $25 million per year, a testament to the Eagles' faith in his abilities and potential.
Setting High Standards
Smith’s high standards and work ethic have become a model for his teammates. He understands the importance of routine, consistency, and the relentless pursuit of improvement. Moorhead, for his part, appears to relish the opportunity to coach such a high-caliber receiver, proudly mentioning, "I have great receivers."
As the new season approaches, DeVonta Smith will look to build on his already impressive resume, fulfill his potential, and lead by example. With each year, his performance solidifies his position not only as a key player for the Eagles but also as one of the premier wide receivers in the NFL. His journey is a testament to what can be achieved through dedication, focus, and the continuous pursuit of excellence.