DeVonta Smith sees no reason why the Eagles can’t be great in 2021

Living in a microwave society, one where many people want immediate results, will sometimes trick everyone into thinking that they’re supposed to see everything explode from day one. The expectations that are placed on a top-ten draft pick can be massive. Just ask DeVonta Smith.

Not only was he taken tenth overall in the most recent NFL Draft. He plays a position that the Philadelphia Eagles have, at times, failed to get the production that they’re looking for from the guys they’ve employed to do the job.

Philly drafted JJ Arcega-Whiteside in Round 2 of the 2019 selection meeting. They took three wideouts a year later including Jalen Reagor, another first-round choice. Nothing seems to have driven a wedge in the revolving door that Philly seems to have had at the position since 2016.

That’s why Smith is here. The hope is he can get things done. Things started with a bang. He was on the receiving end of Jalen Hurts’ first touchdown pass of the year, one that concluded the Birds’ first drive of their first game in Atlanta versus the Falcons. Things cooled. He went through a few growing pains, but the light switch was turned on again.

In his most recent game versus the Denver Broncos, he caught four passes for 66 yards, and he reached the end zone twice. The result was a surprise 30-13 upset victory over the Denver Broncos in the Mile-High City.

DeVonta Smith isn’t waiting to put expectations on himself or his football team.

Recently, DeVonta Smith made an appearance on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football. Peter Schrager’s question was a direct one. Can the Eagles be good in 2021, right now? The rookie didn’t even hesitate.

"Oh yeah! Most definitely (this team van be great in 2021). We’re still growing and taking everything step by step. I mean, get one-percent better every day. That’s what we’ve always talked about. I mean it’s showing, us going out there every day believing in ourselves. (We’re) doing the things our coaches want us to do and just going out on the field on Sunday and executing."

Sure, there were a few drops early, but as Smith said a few weeks ago, he just needed to look the ball in. He was too excited about what he’d do with the rock once he had it. No one worried. Neither did he. Now, it appears that the rookie is ready to do what he was brought to the Eagles to do, show up, be a gamer, and make plays.

Perhaps we’re spoiled. We see guys like Nick Bosa, Justin Herbert, Joe Burrow, and Ja’Marr Chase take off from day one, and we start to look at guys on our own teams and ask why everyone can’t do it. That’s especially true in the City of Brotherly Love with the fan base that follows the Philadelphia Eagles.

Perhaps you’ve heard. Expectations can be pretty high at times. Smith is aware of that. So is his quarterback, Jalen Hurts. From where we’re sitting though, it looks like both are willing to accept the challenge. Their connection both on and off the field is growing, and we’re starting to make plays more consistently. Four of Hurts’ 13 touchdown passes this season have gone to Smith.

Heading into Week 11, DeVonta Smith is second among rookies in receiving yards. Pull up a chair, and watch the show. Things could really get interesting in the Eagles’ next seven games.