Giants DC praises Eagles rookie DeVonta Smith in a big way

Former Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith is impressing for the Philadelphia Eagles early on in his NFL career. One of the Eagles’ biggest rivals weighed in on his performance on Friday, too.

New York Giants defensive coordinator Patrick Graham discussed what Smith brings to the table for the Eagles as New York gets ready to face the rookie for the first time this week.

“His receiving skills are up there with anybody in the league we’ve seen so far,” Graham said, according to the New York Daily News’ Pat Leonard. “I’ve been very impressed. Unfortunately, we’re going to have to deal with him for whatever many years on his contract in this division.”

Before he was in the NFL, Smith starred at Alabama and won the 2021 Heisman Trophy. He holds the Crimson Tide records in career receiving touchdowns (46), receiving yards (3,965) and 200-yard games (14). In last year’s national championship game, Smith had 12 catches for 215 yards and three touchdowns to lead Alabama to another title.

Through 11 games, Smith has 46 receptions for 664 yards and four touchdowns for the Eagles, who are 5-6 and half a game out of a playoff spot. He can add to his impressive season when New York and Philadelphia square off Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on FOX.

Giants fire offensive coordinator Jason Garrett

Prior to this week’s game, the Giants made a major change to the coaching staff. After their 30-10 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football, the team decided to fire offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

The Giants are now 3-7 on the season, sitting in last place in the NFC East. Garrett’s offense with the Giants ranked in the bottom third of the NFL with 322.8 yards per game, 92.9 rushing yards per game, and 18.9 points per game. The team’s 229.9 passing yards per game ranked middle of the pack.

Garrett was the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys from 2010 through 2019. He was fired after the 2019 season. He was in his second season as the Giants offensive coordinator.

ESPN’s Field Yates has named Giants tight ends coach Freddie Kitchens as a likely successor as the Giants play caller. Kitchens filled in for Garrett last season when Garrett was out due to COVID-19 protocols.

Before he went to New York, Kitchens was the head coach of the Cleveland Browns for the 2019 season. He went 6-10, and was fired at the end of the year. He then joined the Giants as tight ends coach in 2020 and was promoted to senior offensive assistant this season.