Dating back to the spring, there has been palpable internal enthusiasm for what Smith can become in new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion’s scheme. The 27-year-old has yet to surpass the 100-catch mark in his career mostly spent as the “1B” to Brown’s “1A.” How productive can he be if he starts getting thrown the ball more often? According to TruMedia, Smith ranked 12th in target share last year at 24.4%, while Brown finished 10th at 26.1%. But what if that number were closer to the 30% mark Jaxon Smith-Njigba surpassed last season (35.8%) and Puka Nacua approached (28.5%) in similar schemes geared around a play-action passing game that funnels targets to versatile pass catchers. Those close to Smith believe he’s ready for that workload. Actually, those close to Smith know he’s been not so patiently waiting for this. “Smitty fools everybody with this quiet, chill demeanor,” Murphy said. “Inside, there’s the heart of a diva receiver banging in his chest saying, ‘I want the ball, every time.’ I think he’s got a maturity and a respect for the team, so he goes out there just lunchpail and does the job. Whatever they’re going to ask him, he’s going to be in a position to execute it and do it. But he’s not lacking one ounce of confidence. Whatever anyone says about his body, he feels he’s 6-foot-5, 280.” Eagles wide receiver coach Aaron Moorehead added, “I think he’s always seen himself as a [No.] 1. And I think in this building we’ve always seen him as a one. You just had another guy that was a one. So for him, I think that he feels like it’s just his time.”
