DeVonta Smith Reveals Inconsistencies in Eagles’ Aerial Attack
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith has voiced his concern over the lack of synchronization in the passing game during the recent 21-17 loss to the Denver Broncos.Although the passing game had its best statistical performance of the season, with Jalen Hurts throwing for 280 yards and two touchdowns, Smith pointed out that there were communication failures, especially in reading Hurts’ signals before the start of plays. Smith mentioned situations where the receivers didn’t catch Hurts’ hand signals in time, which affected the execution of the routes.“There were times when we weren’t on the same page,” Smith stated.
Jalen Hurts, for his part, said he did not remember the incidents mentioned and that he would speak with Smith to understand his comments. A key missed opportunity occurred in the third quarter, when A.J. Brown failed to connect with a pass from Hurts that could have resulted in a touchdown.“We have to be on the same page, no matter what. Sometimes, he sees something before the beginning and we don’t see it,” Smith explained.
Brown, who had expressed frustration with the aerial game’s performance, did not share Smith’s opinion about the widespread lack of synchronization, suggesting it was a problem between Hurts and Smith. Brown noted that the aerial game “started very well,” but “they just didn’t finish” and that “inconsistency reappeared.” The Eagles’ aerial game ranked 31st in the NFL before Week 5. Despite the difficulties, the team achieved a 4-0 record, thanks to efficiency in the red zone, the performance of special teams, a solid defense, and a positive turnover differential.“We just failed,” Hurts said about the play.
“There are things that don’t affect you until they do,” Hurts concluded.
