DeVonta Smith: An Eagle Soaring High with Confidence
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith is entering a new season with unparalleled confidence and a proven track record of success. Known for his exceptional skills on the field, Smith is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, a feat that underlines his consistency and determination.
Smith's recent performances in training camp have turned heads, showing not just his ability to make crucial catches but also his persistence in honing his craft. Over seven practices, he's been lauded for his impeccable consistency. Aaron Moorhead, Smith's position coach, has taken note of his progress and believes that Smith's confidence is "through the roof."
Refining His Craft
"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 high praise reflects Smith's dedication to refining every aspect of his game. His 240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards in his first three seasons set a benchmark in Eagles history, showcasing his significant contributions to the team.
Despite his early success, Smith is not content to rest on his laurels. He continuously seeks to improve his football IQ and situational awareness. "There might be situations we have this year that we didn't run into last year. So situational football and football IQ," Smith noted. His drive for improvement echoes through the Eagles' training camp and onto the playing field.
Attention to Detail
Moorhead appreciates Smith's meticulous attention to detail, valuing how consistently he executes routine plays. "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 explained.
This focus on the nuances of the game reflects Smith’s recognition of the little things that can elevate his performance. He acknowledges that making sure he's doing his job, even when the ball doesn't come his way, is essential. "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 emphasized.
Striving for Perfection
Part of Smith's routine is capitalizing on every play to ensure he leaves nothing on the field. "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 pointed out.
This relentless pursuit of excellence has not gone unnoticed. Smith has set high standards for himself, constantly striving to be better. His commitment was further solidified by his recent contract extension worth $25 million per year, a testament to his value to the franchise.
Room for Improvement
Even with accolades and substantial contracts, Smith remains humble and hungry. "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 remarked. This mindset ensures that Smith will continue to be a vital asset to the Eagles as he keeps pushing the boundaries of his potential.
As the Eagles look forward to the upcoming season, Smith's blend of skill, confidence, and unwavering desire for improvement places him among the elite receivers in the NFL. With coaches like Aaron Moorhead in his corner, guiding his progress and nurturing his talent, the sky is the limit for DeVonta Smith.