It’s hard being a part of this fanbase when people slander one of the best players on this team. I know it’s only Tuesday, but with an Eagles bye week, people seem to have forgotten a few key things about the Eagles and more specifically, DeVonta Smith.

Yes, Micah Parsons is a good football player. Yes, the Eagles defense could have used him, as well as any other linebacker and/or defensive stud that comes to mind. Saying it was a mistake to draft DeVonta Smith is beyond stupid. If you want to complain about someone, get a grip and focus on the things actually wrong with this franchise, ahem Howie Roseman.

To shut you all up who hold an inkling of doubt of DeVonta Smith, let’s look at his stats for this season.

Smitty happens to be the third highest PFF graded rookie WR for this year. God, so horrible right? Let’s also take into account the lack of targeting Smitty has gotten this season.

Smith has played the most snaps out of any rookie this season, which definitely hurts the narrative about his frame and durability heading into this year.

I’m just curious as to what more everyone is looking for out of Smitty here? Let’s get into the stats coming out of the BYE Week.

Smith has been targeted 82 times for 50 catches, 701 yards, and 4 touchdowns. He has the most yards by a wide receiver since Alshon Jeffery in 2018 with 843 yards. Last year, Travis Fulgham was the Eagles’ leading wide receiver with 539 yards.

On that alone, he’s played above and beyond what we could have expected. Look no further than the year before when we drafted Jalen Reagor, who has been nothing short of a disaster during his short professional career.

Miami is also dead last in the league in rushing attempts while the Eagles are amongst the teams with the most carries. The stark contrast in this part of their offense is a key reason to the difference between Waddle and Smith in receptions.

Let’s also add the fact that Smith is one of the best blocking wide receivers in the LEAGUE. PFF has him ranked 24th out of 297 players.

Taking into account the struggle at the quarterback position, Smitty could be even more of an accomplished wide receiver than he already is for this team. If he was targeted more he would be much further on track to become a 1,000-yard receiver, the first one since Jeremy Maclin in 2014.

I don’t get upset easily, but seeing people questioning DeVonta Smith as the Eagles first round draft pick is pretty annoying. He deserves better and the future is beyond bright. Stop being ungrateful. Please rethink and stop embarrassing yourselves.

Mandatory Credit: The Athletic