From PhillyVoice · · 2m
Eagles' toe-drag catches blend talent and fundamentals
DeVonta Smith's sideline catches show how consistent practice builds game-winning skills
In brief
DeVonta Smith's sideline catches show how consistent practice builds game-winning skills Eagles' catch fundamentals, drilled through daily practice, enable players to make critical touchdown catches Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
Quick answers
- What is a toe-drag catch?
- DeVonta Smith makes catches where he drags one foot into bounds while still holding the ball.
- What is the key takeaway from Eagles' toe-drag catches blend talent and fundamentals?
- Eagles' catch fundamentals, drilled through daily practice, enable players to make critical touchdown catches
What is a toe-drag catch?
DeVonta Smith makes catches where he drags one foot into bounds while still holding the ball.
“Easy pitch and catch”
2016 Washington game lesson
Carson Wentz threw a perfect pass to Jordan Matthews, but Matthews only got one foot in bounds, leading to an incomplete pass and a five-point loss.
Sunday's toe-drag catches
Eagles receivers made six toe-drag catches against the Titans, including a game-winning touchdown by Darius Cooper.
Daily catch circuit practice
Eagles players practice sideline catches daily through a catch circuit that includes foot dragging and contested catches.
Dontayvion Wicks on fundamentals
Wicks says the Eagles work catch fundamentals more than other teams, with muscle memory helping players succeed in critical moments.
“We do a lot of sideline catches. I feel like we work the fundamentals a lot here”
DeVonta Smith's commitment
Smith has worked the catch circuit more than any receiver, showing how muscle memory develops through consistent practice.
“We work on it every day”
Darius Cooper's toe drag
Cooper dragged his foot into bounds for a game-winning touchdown, demonstrating the fundamentals drilled during practice.
“You see a lot of guys that go on the sideline and they try to tap their feet”
Coach Nick Sirianni on fundamentals
Sirianni emphasizes that fundamentals are crucial for players to succeed in critical game situations, even when they don't come up often.
“You work them anyway and you put yourself in those positions anyway”
Why fundamentals matter
The Eagles' catch fundamentals were likely the difference between winning and losing the game against Washington in 2016.
Team-wide practice
The Eagles' catch circuit involves multiple stations where players practice different aspects of catching the ball, including foot dragging.
Fundamentals in action
Players like Cooper and Smith consistently apply the fundamentals, turning small practices into game-winning plays.
Coach's role in fundamentals
Coaches like Nick Sirianni emphasize that fundamentals are the foundation for success, even when they don't come up in every game.
Game-winning impact
The Eagles' consistent practice of catch fundamentals helped them secure a win against the Titans, avoiding a repeat of the 2016 Washington loss.
The one thing
Eagles' catch fundamentals, drilled through daily practice, enable players to make critical touchdown catches
