The Philadelphia Eagles had a brutal night on Thursday in many aspects of their game against the New England Patriots. Thankfully for them, it's just the preseason.

Rookie wide receiver and the winner of the Heisman Trophy last year, DeVonta Smith, made his highly anticipated debut for the Eagles.

Smith had just two catches for 19 yards but had a couple of rare drops for the Eagles as well. Per the team website, Smith discussed and reflected on his debut with Philly.

“I know what I did wrong,” said Smith, serious and stone-faced in his postgame press conference. “I gotta focus on catching the ball. I mean, that's all it is. Just taking my eyes away too early. I mean, there's nothing else to it. Those are plays I've gotta make.”

Article Continues Below
More Philadelphia Eagles News
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Ty Robinson (95) runs a drill during OTAs at NovaCare Complex.
Rising Philadelphia Eagles rookie turning heads in 2025 OTAsMatty Breisch ·
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field.
Saquon Barkley’s retirement admission will concern Eagles fansJake Faigus ·
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis (90) runs a drill during OTAs at NovaCare Complex.
Eagles’ Jordan Davis reveals secret behind incredible 2025 transformationMatty Breisch ·
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates next to team owner Jeffrey Lurie and quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) during the Super Bowl LIX championship parade.
Eagles’ Saquon Barkley hype grows after bold Jeff Darlington takeJosh Davis ·
Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Bryce Huff (0) is blocked by Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Terence Steele (78) tas he tries to rush the quarterback at Lincoln Financial Field.
Eagles’ Vic Fangio reveals why Bryce Huff didn’t work out in PhiladelphiaMatty Breisch ·
Sep 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; =Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Bryce Huff (0) looks on after a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
49ers’ Bryce Huff trade with Eagles officially completeJaren Kawada ·

The rookie excelled with his hands and his speed at Alabama so best guess is that this was just some first game jitters for Smith. Philly's newest wideout wasn't blaming the drops on anything else outside of him knowing he just needs to focus better the next time out for the Eagles.

“I gotta make the plays they expect me to make,” Smith said. “I wouldn't call it rust (from being sidelined). I would just say I wasn't focusing on catching the ball. Trying to look back too fast before I caught the ball. I go to practice every day and work and get on the JUGS (machine). Maybe I need to hit the JUGS more.”

Smith missed the first preseason game for the Eagles with a knee injury and he mentioned afterwards that he feels “good” and just needs to keep attacking his rehab.