Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith revealed what the team learned last year that helped them have a successful start to the 2022 season.
The NFL is entering the 10th week of the 2022 season, and there is one lone undefeated team remaining — the Philadelphia Eagles. Just last year, the team made the playoffs with a 9-8 record as a Wild Card team. Now, entering Week 10, they are a perfect 8-0 entering a pivotal game against the rival Washington Commanders.
In an interview with The Spun’s Chris Rosvoglou, Smith was asked about what has been the biggest difference for the Eagles between last year and this year.
“I think we know the identity of the team,” said Smith. “Last year, we discovered that we need to run the ball more. Once we did that, we started getting better every week. This year, we can do either or [run it or throw it]. It really just depends on who we’re playing and how the game is going. Everybody is coming together and connecting well. That camaraderie has taken us far.”
DeVonta Smith describes difference between 2022 Eagles from last year
Last season, the Eagles led the league in rushing yards with 2,715 yards and rushing touchdowns with 25. That helped the team clinch an NFC Wild Card berth. Yet, their playoff run ended in the opening round, losing 31-15 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
This offseason, the Eagles’ front office acquired wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Tennessee Titans in a trade, and immediately signed him to a four-year, $100 million contract. That provided quarterback Jalen Hurts with another target in the passing game.
Through eight games this season, the Eagles recorded an average of 242.3 passing yards (ninth-most in NFL) and 148.8 rushing yards (sixth-most) per game.
In his second season in the NFL after being selected 10th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Smith recorded 40 receptions for 442 yards and two touchdowns on 53 targets.
The Eagles look to continue their undefeated season and keep ahead of both the Dallas Cowboys (6-2) and New York Giants (6-2) with a win over a Commanders team that had won three of their previous four games entering Week 10.