The connection between quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver DeVonta Smith is something special. That much was clear on Sunday as the Philadelphia Eagles duo linked up for a stunning 45-yard touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals that had jaws dropping across the NFL.
A Perfect Strike from Hurts to Smith
With the Eagles trailing 17-16 late in the third quarter, Hurts dropped back on 2nd and 8 from the Bengals’ 45-yard line. He launched a deep ball down the right sideline, placing it perfectly into the hands of a streaking Smith in the back of the end zone. The pass had a completion probability of just 21.6% according to Next Gen Stats, making it Hurts’ most unlikely touchdown throw of the season so far.
Smith, who was tightly covered by Bengals safety Jordan Battle, showed incredible concentration and hands to secure the catch while getting both feet down inbounds. The touchdown put the Eagles up 24-17 and shifted momentum in a hard-fought game.
“That was a dime. That was a crazy throw and catch,” said Eagles head coach Colin Corwin after the game. “Jalen and DeVonta are just locked in right now. It’s a beautiful thing to see.”
– Coach Colin Corwin
Bouncing Back in a Big Way
The highlight-reel touchdown was especially sweet for Smith after being held to just one catch for -2 yards in the Eagles’ Week 7 win over the Giants. The third-year receiver said the Eagles made a concerted effort to get him more involved against Cincinnati.
“We had some plays designed for me, and Jalen just gave me chances to make plays. I told him to just give me a shot and I got you. He put the ball out there and I went and got it.”
– DeVonta Smith
Through three quarters, Smith tallied four catches for 69 yards, already his most productive outing since Week 3. His 45-yard touchdown was his longest reception of the season.
Clicking on All Cylinders
The Smith touchdown underscored how the Eagles offense is really humming right now. Hurts completed passes to 5 different receivers through three quarters and deftly managed an up-tempo game plan despite wet conditions at Paycor Stadium.
According to sources close to the team, Coach Corwin and Hurts made a big push during practice this week to spread the ball around and stay aggressive. The goal was to keep the Bengals’ stingy defense off balance.
“We knew they were going to focus on taking away certain things. So we had to use the whole field and use all our weapons. Get everybody involved. Jalen did an amazing job orchestrating it and the guys made plays.”
– Eagles assistant coach on team’s offensive game plan
Hurts for MVP Moment
Hurts’ stats continue to put him at the forefront of the early MVP race. His accuracy and poise while delivering a 45-yard dime under pressure is exactly the type of play voters notice. After a bit of an uneven outing last week, this was a signature Hurts performance.
“The throw to DeVonta, I mean, how many guys can make that? The kid is special. If he keeps playing like this, it’s going to be hard to deny [him the MVP].”
– Anonymous NFC executive on Jalen Hurts
The Hurts-Smith Bond
While Smith had a relatively quiet stretch recently, his monster game against the Bengals is a reminder of just how dangerous he and Hurts can be together. Their chemistry is undeniable at this point.
Some interesting notes on their budding connection:
- Since 2021, Hurts has a 141.2 passer rating when targeting Smith. That’s the highest rating for any QB-WR duo with at least 100 attempts in that span.
- Smith has accounted for nearly 30% of Hurts’ passing touchdowns since last season. No other Eagles receiver is above 20%.
- Hurts’ yards per attempt spikes from 7.4 to 9.7 when throwing to Smith.
The two have clearly developed a special bond since being drafted together in 2021. With Smith signed through 2024 and Hurts likely to ink a long-term deal soon, this could be the start of something legendary in Philly.
A Statement Win
The Eagles came into this game determined to notch their first signature win of the year. Beating the 2022 AFC champs on the road certainly qualifies. The offense rose to the occasion, led by the heroics of Hurts and Smith.
“We treat every week the same. But we knew this was a big one. We wanted to come in here and make a statement. Let people know we’re for real.”
– Eagles team captain Jason Kelce
In a season teeming with Super Bowl contenders, statement wins in October can carry a lot of weight come January. Stylish victories over respected opponents build confidence and send a message. The Eagles delivered one loud and clear to the rest of the league in Cincinnati:
The road to the Super Bowl still runs through Philly. And good luck stopping the Hurts-Smith connection. Just ask the Bengals how that went on Sunday.
