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PHILADELPHIA — No one must be shocked if the Eagles goal extensive receiver DeVonta Smith on the primary play of their dwelling opener Monday towards the Minnesota Vikings. In spite of everything, the Eagles owe Smith, their 2021 first-round choose, not less than an early sniff of the move recreation after he was held and not using a catch of their 38-35 win over the Detroit Lions.
“What happened last week?” Smith mentioned, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Smith smiled like a child caught along with his fingers within the cookie jar when informed he didn’t have any receptions final week. And on and on it went with amnesia. Definitely, beats the ruder, “next question” response.
Smith caught not less than one ball in every of the Eagles’ 17 video games final season, and two or extra in 16 video games. He had not less than one reception in each contest he performed for Nick Saban at Alabama. As robust as that zero was for Smith, who was focused 4 occasions and likewise had a seize nullified by a maintain on Jordan Mailata, it may not be the final time it occurs this season.
There gained’t be loads of targets if the Eagles lean towards the 39-32 run-pass ratio that received them a victory fueled by the move catching capability of A.J. Brown final week. Brown had 10 receptions, together with a 54-yarder during which he nearly dragged the defender into the top zone. He had 155 receiving yards final week.
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni was shocked to be taught after the sport that Smith didn’t have a catch. The identical with offensive coordinator Shane Steichen.
“Obviously, DeVonta is a premier player in this league, and did I think in a million years he wouldn’t have a catch? Absolutely not,” Steichen mentioned. “I did not think it was going to go that way. But that’s my job, I’ve got to get him the ball. Same with Dallas (Goedert), same with Quez (Watkins), Zach (Pascal), all those guys. I think that’s the great dilemma we have. We have a great offensive line and we run it well, and we have the ability to throw it, too. So, you have to get all those guys touches, and that’s our job to get that done.”
Watkins, one of many quicker receivers within the league, didn’t get a goal. Goedert, whose numbers prime the charts amongst tight ends had simply three catches (4 targets) for 60 yards. Pascal had one reception.
To win Monday the Eagles are going to need to run the ball to get the Vikings out of their zone protection. That Ed Donatell scheme might restrict Hurts’ scrambling, too, though the Lions performed about as disciplined as you may and nonetheless gave up 90 dashing yards to the quarterback.
Hurts sidestepped questions on getting Smith extra concerned.
“He’s ready like he’s always ready,” Hurts mentioned. “I don’t think anything changes. He’s ready to play Week 2.”
Smith definitely has studied the Vikings’ secondary, from Patrick Peterson to Harrison Smith. It’s not going to be simple getting open.
“You have some vets over there, some guys who have been in the league for some time now,” Smith mentioned. “Pat P., Harrison. Those guys have been in the game for a while. They’re vets that know what to expect because they’ve been there before. You can’t give any detail away because they’re going to pick up on it quick.”
Smith additionally intends to say hi there to Jalen Reagor, the first-round bust the Birds traded to the Vikings. Reagor returned a punt seven yards in his first motion with the Vikings, who defeated the Inexperienced Bay Packers, 23-7, of their opener.
Reagor’s function nearly fully diminished when Smith suited up. Now it’s Smith taking a again seat, solely to a veteran.
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