Raise your hand if you still bet on the Philadelphia Eagles to beat the New York Giants when you learned Tanner McKee was starting. Our hands are up. Two TDs on four pass attempts and three completions in his first NFL action... Yeah... That's never been done before.
So, what does he do for an encore? He starts his first NFL game. That one doubles as the regular-season finale vs. the New York Giants.
He completes all of his first three passes on Philly's first drive including the first passing TD of the afternoon.
Ainias Smith scores his first career TD as an Eagles wide receiver.
They say 'you never forget your first'. Hey, we're talking about football here. Get your minds out of the gutters! Sheesh!
Ainias Smith is a "slot receiver with a somewhat unusual blend of elusiveness and power when the ball is in his hands". Those were the words of NFL.com draft expert Lance Zierlein in his draft profile of the former Texas A&M Aggie.
All of that was on display as Philly's rookie hauled in the first TD pass of the afternoon, the third TD of Tanner McKee's career. Smith displayed excellent body control and awareness as he crossed the goal line to give the Birds the lead.
You always remember your 1st TD 🕺@ainias_smith | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/w0O99SlIe5
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 5, 2025
Zierlein also states that Smith "is fine as a possession slot who can run more complicated routes underneath while also offering the courage to work successfully into the middle of the field." He's also a gifted returner though Philly has a few they'd probably trust more at this point:
Britain Covey (injured), Cooper DeJean, Jahan Dotson
Ainias Smith isn't quite ready to take the reigns and take over for A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith yet, and he probably never will, but a TD vs. a rival is good for his confidence. We're hopeful that he develops into something special.