Eagles WATCH: DeVonta Smith Extends Lead vs. Patriots With Quick TD
Philadelphia Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith is off to a solid start in Sunday's season opener against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium.
Smith hauled in a diving, five-yard score at the goal line just a few plays after the Eagles defense forced and recovered a fumble of running back Ezekiel Elliott. This added to Philly's big 16-0 second-quarter lead, which got jump-started by a 70-yard pick-six from cornerback Darius Slay a few plays before.
Here's a look at Smith's touchdown:
The Eagles put together a 14-play, 61-yard drive to open up the game, but managed just a field goal after getting stopped in the red zone. But the defense responded with Slay's interception return and then a forced fumble on New England's next offensive possession.
It's fitting that Slay and Smith are the ones making big plays to begin the season considering the way the veteran cornerback has praised the young receiver this offseason.
© Eric Hartline, USA TODAY
"It's elite! It's like I've been telling him since he was a rookie, he's way ahead of his class when it comes to route-running ability," Slay said of Smith. "I told him the other day, 'you're a guy that I've never seen before that can adjust like that in the middle of press man, hard press, catching.'"
Smith finished last season with seven receiving touchdowns and already has one in 2023. Maybe he tops this total by regular season's end.
The Eagles will look to keep things rolling against the Pats for the rest of Sunday's opener.
