Anywhere else, DeVonta Smith would without question be WR1, but in Philadelphia he has to share the stage with A.J. Brown. It’s never come between the two, or created drama, but the former Heisman winner has always been a bit overlooked, which makes things like milestones and franchise records carry more heft.
Against the Commanders on Sunday, Smith was the only Eagles offensive starter on the field for the first two drives, but he was able to record 52 receiving yards and cross the 1,000-yard milestone for the season. He quickly exited the game to avoid injury, but the risk was worth the accomplishment. Smith spoke to reporters after the game and explained how he appreciated Nick Sirianni’s approach to moments like that.
“Definitely appreciate it, the relationship we have. Sometimes it feels like, [Nick Sirianni] being the coach, he be wanting it more than us sometimes. It’s great we have a coach like that, that’s backing you up to complete those milestones.”
Sirianni was asked about the decision to let Smith go for the record, and he highlighted their focus on keeping him healthy.
“We were safe with [DeVonta Smith] as far as what kind of routes we were running and what he was doing, and so that was something that we decided to do, and obviously you can’t rest everybody. […] But, decided to do that so he could go get a thousand, and he came out good.”
With the 52 yards in Week 18, Smith (1,008 receiving yards) actually leapt Brown (1,003 receiving yards) as the Eagles top receiver in 2025. Throughout his NFL career, Smith has reliably been a deep threat and is always making plays when an often stalling Eagles offense needs help, and continued to elevate his game this season.
“[Nick Sirianni]‘s into the stats and things like that, too. When he sees guys close to things like that he wants guys to go for it. And for him to allow me the opportunity to do that, I’m grateful for it.”
Smith went on to explain that hitting the 1,000-yard milestone is something that every wide receiver and running back is striving for, and while his goal was a higher number for the season, he’s grateful he was able to hit the mark.
This is Smith’s third 1,000-yard season out of five, and combined with A.J. Brown’s four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, the pair are the first WR duo in Eagles history to both hit the milestone in the same season, and to do it three different times. Without question Smith brings a lot to the Eagles offense and will continue to find ways to get the recognition he deserves.
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