DeVonta Smith sustained a minor injury in training camp, but he was present for his preseason debut with the Eagles in Thursday’s game versus the New England Patriots.
He did not catch passes from Jalen Hurts (illness); however, he made things work with Joe Flacco. Despite a couple of early drops, the 2020 Heisman Trophy winner quickly showed people why Philadelphia took him at No. 10 in the NFL Draft.
Heisman level route running. @DeVontaSmith_6
📺: #NEvsPHI on @NFLNetwork (or check local listings)
📱: https://t.co/PMCIWFqcJn pic.twitter.com/aiyBvfRGlJ— NFL (@NFL) August 20, 2021
Another catch for @DeVontaSmith_6. #NFLPreseason
📺: #NEvsPHI on @NFLNetwork (or check local listings)
📱: https://t.co/PMCIWFqcJn pic.twitter.com/ddvhasOMQF— NFL (@NFL) August 20, 2021
His quickness was effortless on his routes, and he flashed his speed upon catching the ball. Smith grabbed two passes for 19 receiving yards, including a 10-yard catch for a first down. He averaged 9.5 yards per reception on four targets and will get better as he continues gaining reps.
The Eagles featured the 2020 national champion in the slot and on the outside at wide receiver.
RELATED: Mac Jones turns in a stellar performance for Patriots versus Eagles in preseason
After leading college football in receiving last year, Smith hopes to be the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year.
He was a permanent team captain and a Unanimous First-Team All-American at Alabama.
Crimson Tide fans are looking forward to seeing more from Smith as he continues preseason.
The combination of him and Hurts will be lethal in the regular season.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
