DeVonta Smith cost the Philadelphia Eagles a win with a brutal drop on Sunday, and the star wide receiver made no excuses for the mistake.
The Eagles were leading 30-28 with just over two minutes remaining in their game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. Philly had 3rd-and-5 at the Washington 22-yard line, and Smith dropped perfectly thrown pass over the middle that could have potentially gone for a touchdown or a first down to ice the game. You can see the play here.
Philadelphia had to settle for a field goal to take a 33-28 lead. Jayden Daniels then put together a game-winning touchdown drive to secure a 36-33 victory for the Commanders.
Smith did not hide from the media after the game. He had a blunt response when asked about his big miscue.
“I just dropped the ball,” he said. “I ain’t gonna beat myself up over it. That’s life. It’s part of the game. I made all the tough catches and then the easiest one I had, I dropped it. It is what it is. … Ain’t nobody else’s fault but mine. The game over with. Ain’t nothing I can do about it now. I just dropped the ball. Ain’t no teaching on it. Just catch the ball, it’s simple.”
I promise you Smitty will NEVER drop an open pass again!!
Game changing play but we ride with you always!!
When he catches the game winning ing play to go to the Super Bowl remember this! #Eagles pic.twitter.com/qZCfEMNzHk
— Philly Talk Podcast (@Philly_Mike25) December 22, 2024
In addition to costing the Eagles a win over a divisional opponent, Smith’s drop made it more difficult for Philly to earn the No. 1 seed in the NFC. The Detroit Lions won their game on Sunday, which means they are now a game ahead of the Eagles in the NFC standings and hold the tiebreaker of conference record.
Smith has been productive this season with 62 catches for 713 yards and 6 touchdowns despite missing time with an injury. The catch he failed to make is the one that will likely stick with him, though.
