Eagles' Smith Provides Big-Play Ability
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Smith has yet to be selected for a Pro Bowl but one could argue that with his consistency and ability to beat man coverage, that he is one of the more dangerous receivers in the NFL.
His big-play ability was demonstrated in the second half of Sunday’s 28-23 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. With No. 1 receiver A.J. Brown out for the second half due to a knee injury, Smith took over.
Smith was held to one reception for nine yards in the first half, but had three for 78 yards and a touchdown in the second half. His 25-yard TD reception from Jalen Hurts in the fourth quarter provided the eventual winning margin. That score extended the Eagles’ lead to 28-16.
Earlier in that drive, he caught a 46-yard pass that put the ball on the Jacksonville 13-yard line.
In the previous week’s 37-17 win at Cincinnati, Smith broke a 17-17 tie by catching a 45-yard scoring pass from Hurts. The game before that, Smith caught the eventual winning score in a 20-16 win over Cleveland. His 45-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter broke a 13-13 tie.
What has been most impressive about Smith is his consistency.
This is the fourth season for the former Heisman Trophy winner from Alabama.
In his first three years, Smith has averaged 80 receptions for 1,059 yards and six touchdowns.
This year he has 35 receptions for 473 yards and four touchdowns in seven games.
He missed one game this season due to a concussion.
When Smith was drafted, there were many who wondered whether the 6-foot, 170-pounder could take the pounding in the NFL. Near the midway part of his fourth season, he has only missed two games.
Smith has also been a strong performer in the postseason.
During the 2022 season when the Eagles went to the Super Bowl, Smith had 15 receptions for 197 yards and one touchdown in three postseason games. In the Super Bowl, he had seven receptions for 100 yards during the Eagles 38-35 loss to Kansas City.
Last year with Brown injured, Smith had eight receptions for 148 yards in an opening 32-9 playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
There are probably many teams where Smith would have more impressive statistics, but the important thing is winning. He has been to the playoffs in each of his first three seasons and a fourth straight trip to the postseason looks like a pretty safe bet.
On a team with offensive playmakers such as Brown, Saquon Barkley and the currently injured tight end Dallas Goedert, Smith has to patiently wait his turn.
His ability to make clutch catches has been a trademark of his career, but he also makes difficult catches as well. He has the speed to run by most cornerbacks but is also a great route-runner. Smith is also extremely dangerous after the catch.
He has become an invaluable member of the offense and one of the major reasons why the Eagles are considered a contender this season in the NFC.
Photo: Eagles DeVonta Smith / Courtesy of Philadelphia Eagles
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Author: Marc Narducci
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