DeVonta Smith stays focused for Eagles' Super Bowl rematch

Despite Super Bowl 57 defeat, DeVonta Smith keeps calm for next month’s big game in New Orleans.

DeVonta Smith #6 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up before an NFL wild card playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field on January 12, 2025, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

By Randy Ahmad and Yuni Utomo

The Kansas City Chiefs may have crushed the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl aspirations two years ago, but DeVonta Smith, the talented wide receiver for the Eagles, made it clear on Friday that he is not allowing the emotional baggage of that painful defeat to get in the way of his focus. The two teams are set to face off again in Super Bowl 58, and this time, Smith is ready to bring his best performance yet. The highly anticipated rematch will take place next month in the iconic Superdome in New Orleans, just a short distance from Smith’s hometown of Amite City, Louisiana. For the 24-year-old wide receiver, this homecoming presents a unique opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the biggest stage in professional football.

The agony of Super Bowl 57, in which the Eagles fell to the Chiefs in a dramatic 38-35 loss, still lingers for many in the Philadelphia fanbase. Smith had an impressive performance during that game, logging seven receptions for 100 yards, but a 10-point halftime lead evaporated as the Eagles' defense faltered in the second half. Despite that heart-wrenching defeat, Smith has kept his focus fixed on the future, not the past. Now, with another opportunity to compete for a championship, he is determined to channel his emotions into a strong performance for his team.

Reflecting on Super Bowl 57: A Painful Yet Motivating Memory

The bitter taste of Super Bowl 57 is something that DeVonta Smith, along with the rest of his teammates, has had to grapple with since the final whistle blew in Glendale, Arizona. For Smith, the loss was personal as much as it was collective. The Eagles had come so close to capturing a Super Bowl title, and Smith had the kind of performance that could have solidified his status as one of the league's premier wide receivers. However, a series of missed opportunities and defensive lapses allowed Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs to capitalize and take the win.

In an interview this past Friday, Smith opened up about the impact the game had on him. He admitted that he has replayed certain moments of that Super Bowl loss countless times in his head. He, like every other player, is determined to not let that defeat define him or the team. Instead, Smith is using the loss as motivation, not just for himself but for the Eagles' entire roster.

"You think about it all the time, especially playing them again. It's the next team trying to stop us from getting to our end goal," Smith said. His words reflect his mentality heading into the rematch against the Chiefs—one focused on the big picture, not on past disappointments.

For Smith, playing in Super Bowl 58 in New Orleans adds an emotional layer to the game. He grew up just outside the city, and to have the opportunity to play for a title in his home state makes this championship bout even more significant. The added pressure of playing in front of family, friends, and lifelong supporters could be overwhelming for some athletes, but Smith is taking it all in stride.

Keeping Calm in the Face of Pressure

One of the key elements to DeVonta Smith’s success as an elite receiver is his ability to remain calm under pressure. It’s something that’s apparent every time he takes the field, whether it’s in the clutch moments of a high-stakes game or in the lead-up to the biggest game of his career. Smith’s ability to compartmentalize his emotions has been one of his defining traits since his college days at Alabama, and it has served him well as a professional. Heading into this Super Bowl, Smith knows there is no room for distractions or overthinking. The goal is clear—play his game and trust his preparation.

Even with the weight of a Super Bowl defeat lingering in the background, Smith’s composure has remained unchanged. He’s quick to acknowledge the pain of the 2023 Super Bowl loss, but he’s also equally quick to focus on what lies ahead: another shot at redemption. Smith’s leadership and focus have become invaluable to the Eagles as they prepare for their rematch against the Chiefs.

“The most important thing is to stay calm and not let emotions take over,” Smith explained. “We’ve been in big games before, and we know how to handle pressure. It’s about executing, focusing on the details, and doing what we do best.”

The Eagles have had an impressive season heading into Super Bowl 58, and Smith’s contributions to the offense have been a major factor in their success. However, he knows that the task ahead will be a tough one, especially considering the strength of the Chiefs' offense led by Mahomes. Despite these challenges, Smith is confident that the Eagles have what it takes to secure a Super Bowl victory—especially if they stick to the fundamentals.

Dealing with Injuries: Smith’s Road to Recovery

DeVonta Smith did not participate in Friday’s practice session, as his injury report listed him as being sidelined with a hamstring issue. Given the importance of Super Bowl 58, the Eagles' training staff and coaches are taking extra precautions to ensure that Smith is at full strength for the championship game. However, Smith has assured reporters that the injury is not serious and that he will be ready to play on February 9, 2025.

"I’m feeling good, just taking it one day at a time," Smith stated. "As long as we go out there, play our game, and continue to play football the way we've been playing it, we should come out successful."

Smith’s mindset heading into the Super Bowl is a reflection of his unwavering commitment to his craft. While some players may let the pressure of the Super Bowl or the fear of injury hinder their performance, Smith is determined to play at the highest level possible, regardless of the obstacles that may arise.

The Big Picture: Eagles’ Goals and Smith’s Role

As the Super Bowl approaches, the entire Eagles team is laser-focused on their mission: winning the championship. For Smith, this game represents an opportunity to cement his legacy not just as one of the best wide receivers in the league but as a key player who helped lead his team to glory. He knows that the road to a Super Bowl victory is not an easy one, but with the talent surrounding him and the leadership of the coaching staff, Smith feels confident that the Eagles can achieve their goal.

"The team is ready. We’ve been preparing for this moment all season, and we’re all locked in. This is what we’ve worked for," Smith said.

Smith’s confidence is backed by his exceptional play throughout the season, as he has continued to be one of the most reliable and dynamic weapons on the Eagles’ offense. His ability to make crucial catches and his excellent route-running have made him a constant threat for opposing defenses. Now, as the Eagles prepare for their rematch with the Chiefs, Smith knows the spotlight will be on him and his teammates. But rather than feeling the weight of expectations, Smith is embracing the challenge with the poise and determination that has defined his career.

A New Chapter in the Super Bowl Story

As the Eagles head into Super Bowl 58, the stakes could not be higher. For DeVonta Smith, the chance to play in his home state and redeem the loss from Super Bowl 57 is something that he has been looking forward to all season. With the support of his teammates, coaches, and family, Smith is ready to give everything he has in his pursuit of a Super Bowl title. The goal is simple—do his part, play to the best of his ability, and help the Eagles finish what they started.

As Super Bowl 58 approaches, all eyes will be on DeVonta Smith as he takes the field in New Orleans. For Smith, it’s not just about redemption; it’s about winning and proving to the world that the Eagles have what it takes to be champions.