The Slim Reaper Strikes: DeVonta Smith Snares ‘Catch of the Year’ Candidate
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— NFL (@NFL) January 13, 2026
Late in the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, quarterback Jalen Hurts took a shot at the end zone. Despite tight coverage from the Jaguars’ secondary, Hurts lofted a 25-yard pass toward the back pylon. Smith, shadowed closely, leaped into the air, extended his right hand, and plucked the ball out of the sky. He managed to secure the catch while falling backward, ensuring both feet remained in bounds for the score.
Defying the Laws of Physics
What makes the grab truly elite is the body control. Smith didn’t just catch the ball; he absorbed the momentum of the pass while rotating his torso mid-air. Most receivers would have struggled to keep their balance, but Smith’s ability to track the ball over his shoulder and finish the play with one hand is a reminder of why Philadelphia signed him to a massive $75 million extension in the offseason.
The Jaguars’ defender was in a perfect position to make a play, but Smith simply played “above the rim.” The touchdown gave the Eagles a cushion in a game that was far more competitive than the early scores suggested.
“I saw the ball in the air and knew I had to go get it. Jalen put it where it needed to be, and I just had to finish the play. That’s what we work on every day.”
— DeVonta Smith on his touchdown reception
The Three-Headed Monster
With Smith making circus catches, A.J. Brown stretching the field, and Saquon Barkley dominating the ground game, the Eagles’ offense has become an unsolvable puzzle for opposing coaches. This 25-yard strike showcased the chemistry between Hurts and Smith, a connection that has only grown stronger under the pressure of the mid-season playoff race.
When the Eagles’ passing game operates with this level of precision, they are virtually impossible to outscore. Smith finished the drive as the hero, but the play was a culmination of a balanced offensive attack that kept Jacksonville on its heels for four quarters.
What This Means for the NFC East
This win keeps the Eagles firmly in the hunt for the divisional crown. More importantly, it proves that DeVonta Smith can be “the guy” in high-leverage moments when the defense keys in on other weapons. As the schedule toughens up, the Eagles will need more of this clutch playmaking to secure a home playoff game at the Linc.
