We’ve officially added a new rule to the NFL handbook. We don’t know what the sixth article states, but we’ve taken creative liberty to re-write it in honor of DeVonta Smith‘s jersey number. Rule six now reads as such: Don’t trash-talk with the man formerly known as the ‘Slim Reaper’.
During the Philadelphia Eagles‘ first or two planned practices versus the Cleveland Browns, Smith and Cleveland Browns defensive back Richard LeCounte got into a war of words… Smith won, and then, he carried that rear-end whooping into a few snaps of 11-on-11 action.
Expect quality play from DeVonta Smith once the games begin counting towards the Eagles’ win-loss total.
At the time of this story being written and published, we have yet to determine what LeCounte said to get Smith fired up, but we are privy to the response. The former Georgia Bulldogs standout was informed that DeVonta “put him on the bench” during their days and battles in the SEC. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni joined in the fun by stating “Don’t worry about it Smitty! Last time you saw him, you win the Heisman!”
Ouch! Check out Josh Tolentino’s description of what happened next.
Now Smith draws a DPI against Greedy Williams 40 yards from the LOS. Smith nearly hauled in the one-handed grab, but lots of contact involved, and nearest official flags the Browns.
— Josh Tolentino (@JCTSports) August 18, 2022
The reviews have been favorable.
The Browns can’t cover DeVonta Smith. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) August 18, 2022
Lots of No. 6 tweets today, but #Eagles DeVonta Smith has been open literally every rep. His footwork, breaks, pad level, body control midair — it’s all been elite. He was heating up coming into Cleveland too. Had two strong practices following return from groin injury.
— Josh Tolentino (@JCTSports) August 18, 2022
Today was a good practice for DeVonta Smith. AJ Brown has gotten a lot of attention in camp (deservedly so) but this was Smith’s day. #Eagles
— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) August 18, 2022
With that, we’re off and running in Cleveland.
DeVonta Smith sat out of the Eagles’ first preseason game as the coaches decided to rest him following a groin issue. Fear not, since returning he’s back to himself, snagging highlight-reel receptions with ease and relative regularity. He’ll be ready to go once we reach September 11th and the first regular-season contest of Philly’s 18-week, 17-game slate.
Perhaps the best news about all of this is he has A.J. Brown as a teammate. That means Number 6 will see a lot of the opposing defense’s second-best corner. That will produce plays and hopefully several touchdowns, and with Dallas Goedert operating underneath, the options are plentiful for Jalen Hurts.
This offense could be scary all season long. In the meantime, we’d like to reiterate article six. Don’t talk trash and get Smith fired up if you’re one of those DBs he took advantage of at the NCAA level.