WATCH: Devonta Smith gives hilarious response to how he made controversial one-handed catch
DeVonta Smith made an unbelievable catch in the NFC Championship with one hand, but it was controversial.
The Eagles star receiver appeared to reel it in and it led to a Philadelphia touchdown on the opening drive. But the replay which showed Smith had bobbled the ball did not come until after the drive was over.
Smith was asked about the catch on the first drive that sparked Philadelphia’s 31-7 win over the 49ers.
“Big time players have to make big time plays,” Smith said. “Just coming out here, that was the whole thing, just come out and make plays when the ball comes your way.”
Smith explained how the play developed. Quarterback Jalen Hurts scrambled to his left after pressure from the 49ers front.
“The scramble drill was working a lot,” Smith said. “The play is never dead with a quarterback like Jalen. You gotta stay alive and keep moving around for him.”
Smith’s controversial one-handed catch ended the 49ers’ attempt to stop the Eagles on fourth down. Ultimately, the 49ers’ offense was stuffed by the Eagles defense after the team lost quarterback Brock Purdy.
Philadelphia gets Kansas City in Super Bowl LVII in two weeks.
“It means a lot,” Smith said of making the Super Bowl. “These guys from OTAs to camp to now, they came in day in and day out and did the things they are supposed to do. You don’t get this often. We know that this team is not going to be the same team next year so we just cherish each other and go out here and hopefully end it the right way.”
Controversial catch or not, Smith was key on the first drive. He finished with just two catches for 36 yards, but the run game dominated.
Miles Sanders ran for 42 yards and two scores while Hurts and Boston Scott added touchdowns on the ground. Kenneth Gainwell added 48 yards in key spots.
With two weeks to prepare for the Chiefs, Smith might be able to clean up the absurd catches for the big game.