How an Eagles receiver is making defenses pay for disrespectful coverage
DeVonta Smith can ball. It's also helped that he's been the off-receiver while A.J. Brown garners a majority of the defenses possessions. In the Eagles' victory over the New York Giants on Sunday, however, Smith felt the full reach of taking what the defense gave him. New York sat in man coverage for most of […]
DeVonta Smith can ball.
It's also helped that he's been the off-receiver while A.J. Brown garners a majority of the defenses possessions. In the Eagles' victory over the New York Giants on Sunday, however, Smith felt the full reach of taking what the defense gave him.
New York sat in man coverage for most of the game, hoping to deter Smith and Brown from burning them for big plays. But when Smith saw that he was one-on-one with New York's defensive backs, he knew the game came down to doing the simple thing — beating his man. And it worked, as Smith burned New York on five catches and a touchdown. He also converted said touchdown on one of the longest throws and catches of the game early on 4th-and-seven.
"It was a great check by the quarterback, seeing something he liked, checking it to that play and executing it," Smith said of the touchdown bomb. "That’s what this game is all about; we knew they came out playing a lot of man [coverage], so it was all about winning our one-on-ones."
Jalen Hurts takes notice of Smith's play
Quarterback Jalen Hurts spoke highly of the play following the win. He noted that he liked what he saw with Smith in one-on-one coverage, and he knew that Smith could make a play on the ball.
"I saw an advantageous position for him to do exactly what he did, and we did it," Hurts said.
But it wasn't just that Smith made a play in one-on-one coverage. Hurts also explained that it shifted the momentum of the game early, resulting in Philadelphia blowing the doors open on the game fast.
"That was a pivotal moment in the game, and a big momentum swing for us," Hurts said. "To be out there and get to a big-time play like that — I’m happy it went our way. The safety [Giants Julian Love] was rushing over there, he was heading that way really fast with some urgency, but we made the play."
Smith has been one of Hurts' trusted targets during the year. That's why the receiver has tallied 66 receptions and 775 yards amidst the Eagles' 12-1 run. He's someone Hurts can rely on. And he's become that person by doing what he does best — making defenses look foolish for utilizing man coverage against him.
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Feature image via Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
