A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith deliver a 1-2 punch at Eagles training camp
With a series of impressive catches on throws from Jalen Hurts, the receivers showed how they could be a headache for opposing defenses.
A.J. Brown dominated the first two weeks of practice at Eagles training camp, mostly because of his obvious skill, but also because fellow wideout DeVonta Smith was out with a groin strain. Smith returned on Sunday with the Eagles clearly committed to getting him involved after his absence, and Brown took a backseat.
Two days later at the NovaCare Complex, though, it was obvious the threat the duo should pose for pass defenses that aren’t likely to shade a safety to one side as much as they did in 2021. In the second team period, Brown and Smith caught back-to-back slants. A few plays later, Smith converted a third down on a short route.
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Again, during another set, Jalen Hurts opened a drive with back-to-back throws to his two outside receivers. The sideline routes were similar, as were the throws: High and away from coverage. Smith and Brown skied and came down in bounds with both passes.
But their highlight grabs came later. Hurts was probably touched for a “sack” by linebacker Haason Reddick, but he kept scrambling and hit the air-bound Smith downfield. A period later, Brown blew past safety Anthony Harris, flashed his hands late as post safety K’Von Wallace offered help, and pulled in a bucket catch before walking the tightrope into the end zone.
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