Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni called DeVonta Smith ‘smooth as advertised’ after seeing the Heisman Trophy winner run routes for the first time.
During the Eagles 2021 season debut against Atlanta on Sunday, the rookie WR was everything Philadelphia needed and more.
Jalen Hurts makes a statement to end that first drive #Eagles pic.twitter.com/nauGfSSrG7
— Glenn Erby (@thacover2NFL) September 12, 2021
Smith led the Eagles with 8 targets, logging 6 catches for 71-yards (11.8 ave) and 1 beautiful over should catch in the end zone.
The Heisman Trophy winner got off to a fast start in his debut with the Eagles and his five catches in the first half make the rookie the second Eagles wide receiver with 5+ receptions in his first career game since 2000.
DeSean Jackson is the other with six in his debut against the Browns in 2008. Altogether, Smith logged five catches for 52-yards and one touchdown with less than a minute remaining in the first half.
The rookie never looked overmatched, showed superior route-running, and helped open things up for Jalen Reagor, who 6 catches for 49 yards and a touchdown.
Smith will get a tougher matchup in Week 2 at home against the 49ers.
