Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith has continued to cement his status as one of the NFL's most reliable and dynamic players. Coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, Smith's consistent performance has been one of the key highlights in the Eagles' training camp. Aaron Moorhead, Smith's position coach, has nothing but praise for his standout player.
"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," lauded Moorhead, emphasizing Smith's remarkable progress and high spirits throughout the camp sessions.
Relentless Pursuit for Improvement
While Smith has already achieved significant milestones, including 240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards in his first three seasons—a record in Eagles history—his drive for further improvement is palpable. The wide receiver remains focused on enhancing 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, showcasing his dedication to continuous growth and learning.
Smith's commitment to excellence extends beyond just securing the ball during games. He has set high standards for himself, ensuring that he remains open and executes his plays flawlessly, even if the ball doesn't come his way.
"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 elaborated on his approach, highlighting his attention to detail and dedication to doing the little things right.
Attention to Detail and Routine
Moorhead appreciates Smith’s diligence and his focus on executing routine plays with precision. This meticulous attention to detail has played a significant role in Smith's success and his ability to consistently threaten defenses.
"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 commented, stressing the importance of routine in achieving success on the field.
This emphasis on the fundamentals and routine plays resonates with Smith, who recognizes that even the most talented players can miss opportunities due to minor technical lapses.
"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, pointing out that Smith is acutely aware of the areas where he can still improve.
Setting the Bar High
Smith's quest for greatness and his unyielding work ethic have not gone unnoticed by his coaches and teammates. His consistent performance in training camp and his high level of confidence have set a new benchmark for excellence within the team.
Furthermore, Smith recently signed a contract extension worth $25 million per year, underlining his value to the Eagles organisation and his potential to make a long-term impact. Despite this substantial vote of confidence, Smith remains focused on honing his craft and pushing the limits of his abilities.
"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 stated, reiterating his belief in perpetual self-improvement.
Moorhead summed up the sentiment around the Eagles camp succinctly: "I have great receivers." His confidence is a testament to the talent and dedication of players like Smith, who continue to push their boundaries and set new standards for excellence.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Smith to see how he translates his training camp success into game-time performances. With his unwavering focus, attention to detail, and relentless drive, there’s every reason to believe that DeVonta Smith will continue to shine for the Eagles.