The 2022-2023 season was a strong year for the Philadelphia Eagles, particularly for the receiving corps.
As one-third of “The Batmans”, DeVonta Smith set the franchise record for most receptions by a wide receiver in a single season. And, he did so only at the age of 24.
DEVONTA SMITH SURPASSES RECEPTION RECORD
In Week 18 against the New York Giants, Smith entered the game with 88 catches, tied for most ever in a season by an Eagles’ wide receiver. The player to beat — Irving Fryar, who set the record in 1996.
On Philadelphia’s second drive of the game, Smith surpassed Fryar with a nine-yard catch. He finished the regular-season with 95 receptions.
Smith is now second overall behind former tight end Zach Ertz who completed 116 receptions in 2018.
The 24-year-old was drafted by the Eagles in the first-round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Beginning his career in Philadelphia, he walked onto the field as a 2020 Heist Trophy winner, setting a franchise record his rookie season. Surpassing wide receiver DeSean Jackson, Smith finished with 916 receiving yards in 2021.
This season Smith became part of the best receiving duo in Eagles’ history after Philadelphia signed former Tennessee Titans’ receiver A.J. Brown. The two both exceeded 1,000+ receiving yards this season, becoming the first to do so in the same season.
In 17 games, Smith totaled 1,196 yards for seven touchdowns. In addition to his 88 receptions ranking first among Eagles’ receivers, Smith also set the franchise record for most catches in a player’s first two season.
