DeVonta Smith: Aiming Higher with the Philadelphia Eagles
As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for another NFL season, all eyes are on their standout wide receiver, DeVonta Smith. Over the past two seasons, Smith has etched his name into the Eagles' history books with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, setting a high standard for himself and his teammates.
Smith's impressive performance on the field has not gone unnoticed. During the Eagles' training camp, he has been a beacon of consistency, making crucial catches and displaying an unwavering dedication to his craft. Aaron Moorhead, Smith's position coach, couldn't be more pleased with his progress.
"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, reflecting on Smith's exceptional form during seven rigorous practices.
Commitment to Growth
Despite his successes, Smith remains committed to continual improvement. "You always want to improve your football IQ. That's something you can always grow on," Smith explained. He emphasized the importance of situational awareness, noting that new challenges could arise each season that demand a higher level of understanding and adaptability.
Smith's determination is mirrored in his approach to each game and practice. He has set high standards for himself, focused not just on spectacular plays, but on executing the routine ones with precision. Moorhead appreciates this meticulous attention to detail, believing it sets Smith apart from his peers.
"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, underscoring the importance of consistency and executing the fundamentals.
High Standards and Aspirations
Smith's self-imposed high standards go beyond personal accolades. He is driven by a team-first mentality, prioritizing his role in the Eagles' offensive strategy. "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," Smith said. This mindset reflects his dedication to contributing to the team's success, whether or not he's the primary target on any given play.
Smith's impressive stats speak volumes about his impact on the field. With 240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards in his first three seasons, he holds the record for the most in Eagles history. To cement his future with the team, Smith recently signed a contract extension worth $25 million per year, a testament to his value and potential.
A Coach's Trust
Moorhead's confidence in Smith is unwavering. "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 said, acknowledging that even as Smith excels, there remains room for refinement and growth.
Smith's commitment to improvement is relentless. "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 stated, highlighting his persistent pursuit of excellence.
As the Eagles prepare for the upcoming season, the combination of Smith's skill, dedication, and growth mindset bodes well for both his personal achievements and the team's overall success. Under the watchful eye of Aaron Moorhead, DeVonta Smith is not just meeting, but exceeding expectations, proving that even in the world of professional sports, there's always another level to reach.