Sunday’s NFC Divisional Round matchup against the Los Angeles Rams marked the 53rd playoff game in Philadelphia Eagles franchise history, dating back to 1947.
All of that history just makes DeVonta Smith’s accomplishment more remarkable.
Smith, Philly’s 26-year-old wide receiver in his fourth NFL season, became the Eagles’ all-time leader for postseason receiving yards with a 2-yard catch late in the first half of Sunday’s game against the Rams at snowy Lincoln Financial Field. He had initially tied the mark with a 5-yard reception on Philadelphia's second pass attempt of the game.
Smith entered the game just 5 yards shy of Harold Carmichael’s 465 career receiving yards in the playoffs, which were achieved over seven games from 1978-81. Smith — who was born in 1998 — accomplished the feat in the same amount of time, entering Sunday with 31 catches for 460 yards and one touchdown in six career playoff games.
Philadelphia has enjoyed an elite level of consistency from the former Alabama star, who the Eagles traded up to land with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Somewhat overshadowed by the superstar talent around him, like QB Jalen Hurts, WR A.J. Brown and RB Saquon Barkley, Smith has quietly averaged over 1,000 yards per season as a pro while averaging 13.0 yards per catch.
Smith’s best playoff production came during the team’s run to the Super Bowl in 2022. In three games, he racked up 15 catches for 197 yards and a score, including a 100-yard effort in Philly’s loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII.
Eagles fans are hoping Smith gets a chance to pad his new franchise record before the end of this year's playoff run.
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