5 Eagles players the Carolina Panthers must keep quiet in Week 5
By Jason Huber
Devonta Smith – WR
Devonta Smith has emerged as Jalen Hurts’ top target on offense through the first four weeks of the season. Despite some struggles, the rookie wide receiver has proven that he’ll be a threat in the NFL for years to come.
Through four games, Smith has found chemistry with Hurts, compiling 237 receiving yards with a touchdown while averaging 13.2 yards per reception.
Smith is coming off the first 100-yard game of his career last week and will now face a Carolina Panthers secondary that is still without Jaycee Horn and won’t have Stephon Gilmore in the lineup until Week 7 against the New York Giants.
Besides Smith, the Philadelphia Eagles don’t have many top wide receivers on their roster, and Hurts has been splitting the ball around pretty evenly. If Carolina can limit Smith and make him feel like a typical rookie, the offense should certainly struggle.
The more Philadelphia involves Smith, the more likely it is that he puts up numbers. Therefore, Carolina needs to lock down on him and make sure he’s kept out of the gameplan as much as possible.
Keeping him in check is easier said than done. The former Alabama star is a tremendous route-runner who has a rare ability to make things happen with the football in his hands.