Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith is known for his meticulous approach to the game, always striving for perfection. He aims to maximize every yard gained, contributing to the team's overall success. However, the sting of Super Bowl LVII's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs still lingers, and one particular play continues to replay in Smith's mind.
In the fourth quarter, with the Eagles trailing 35-27, Smith made a crucial catch on the Chiefs' 47-yard line. He was wide open, seemingly destined for a touchdown. But as he secured the ball, he lost his footing and fell out of bounds at the two-yard line. While the play set up a game-tying touchdown and two-point conversion by Jalen Hurts, Smith believes scoring on that play would have altered the game's outcome. He expressed his regret, stating, "If I went ahead and scored, we would’ve had more time when we had the ball on the last possession."
Patrick Mahomes subsequently led the Chiefs down the field, culminating in a game-winning field goal with just seconds remaining. While a controversial holding penalty played a role in the Chiefs' final drive, Smith takes ownership for his missed opportunity. Despite the loss, Smith led the game with 100 receiving yards on seven receptions. He acknowledges his strong performance but remains focused on what could have been.
Looking ahead to the 2023 season, Smith emphasizes the importance of a fresh start. He acknowledges the Eagles' status as a target for other teams and stresses the need to improve upon last year's performance. Smith remains determined to help his team return to the Super Bowl and achieve the ultimate victory.
