DeVonta Smith makes debut for Eagles, serves as lone shiny spot for offense minus Jalen Hurts


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The Philadelphia Eagles did not get to see DeVonta Smith catch passes from Jalen Hurts in his preseason debut, the one unlucky a part of an evening the place the vast receiver seemed properly past his years. Smith was the brilliant spot in an anemic efficiency by the Eagles offense within the first half, one which nearly all of the snaps have been taken by second-team gamers. Hurts was a late scratch as a result of a non-COVID sickness.

The projected beginning vast receivers took all the first-half snaps for the Eagles — Smith, Jalen Reagor, and Quez Watkins. Smith completed with simply two catches for 19 yards, however his route-running was crisp on every of his 4 targets. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner was capable of create separation with ease and obtained himself open when the ball was coming his means. 

Smith’s first catch within the NFL went for simply 9 yards, however the hitch route he ran seemed just like prime Isaac Bruce with the St. Louis Rams. Joe Flacco discovered Smith on a first-and-10, turning a 5-yard achieve into 9.

Later within the second quarter, Flacco discovered Smith for a 10-yard achieve on third-and-4 within the flat that moved the chains, which was one other polished route by the rookie towards New England Patriots cornerback Michael Jackson. 

Smith seemed to be operating a slant at first earlier than altering path and heading to the flat, serving to Flacco discover him simply. The press protection from Jackson did not matter as Smith simply gained separation and obtained the primary down. Smith additionally obtained open on his first goal of the night time, however Flacco delivered late leading to an incompletion.

Eagles vast receivers have been focused eight instances within the first half, however Smith was the one one to make an impression. The numbers for Smith, Reagor, and Watkins most likely would have been higher with Hurts at quarterback and a first-team offensive line — which the Eagles do not seem able to unveil till the season opener towards the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 12.

Smith catching passes from Hurts within the second preseason recreation would have been best, however the rookie turned in a superb efficiency in his debut. Not unhealthy for a participant listed as “week to week” with a sprained MCL only a week in the past. 



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