DeVonta Smith: 'I Have to Make The God D**n Play'

DeVonta Smith didn't mince words after a drop that probably cost the Eagles their Week 16 game against the Washington Commanders: 

DeVonta Smith on the crucial drop in the 4th quarter -

“I just dropped the ball, there is nothing I can do about it now. I was calling for the ball… when Kenny put it in my hands I have to make the God d**n play.” pic.twitter.com/1ATToYdtfR

— Ashlyn Sullivan (@ashlynrsullivan) December 22, 2024

With the Eagles deep in Washington territory, Kenny Pickett — for all his struggles in relief of Jalen Hurts Sunday — hit Smith with a pass that should have essentially put the game on ice. If Smith caught the ball, the Eagles would have had a first down heading into the two-minute warning. Washington would have had just one timeout remaining. 

But Smith dropped the ball: 

DEVONTA SMITH OH NO pic.twitter.com/Zt05o9KafX

— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) December 22, 2024

Instead of a first down and a chance to run the clock out, the Eagles had to settle for a field goal attempt before the two-minute warning. Jake Elliott nailed the 40-yard field goal to increase the Eagles' lead to five points. But Jayden Daniels got a mulligan after throwing a bad interception on the prior drive, and the likely Offensive Rookie of the Year marched down the field and threw the game-winning touchdown to Jamison Crowder to cap off a nine-play, 57-yard drive. 

Smith deserves credit for taking accountability after an uncharacteristic drop. Ultimately, though, not winning this game could be the difference between the NFC Championship being at Ford Field or Lincoln Financial Field.