Eagles’ Air Attack Ignites: Tanner McKee to Ainias Smith: A TD Connection for the Ages
Ainias Smith scores his first career TD as an Eagles wide receiver.
They say ‘you never forget your first’. Hey, we’re talking about football here. Get your minds out of the gutters! Sheesh!
Ainias Smith is a “slot receiver with a somewhat unusual blend of elusiveness and power when the ball is in his hands”. Those were the words of NFL.com draft expert Lance Zierlein in his draft profile of the former Texas A&M Aggie.
All of that was on display as Philly’s rookie hauled in the first TD pass of the afternoon, the third TD of Tanner McKee’s career. Smith displayed excellent body control and awareness as he crossed the goal line to give the Birds the lead.
Zierlein also states that Smith “is fine as a possession slot who can run more complicated routes underneath while also offering the courage to work successfully into the middle of the field.” He’s also a gifted returner though Philly has a few they’d probably trust more at this point:
Britain Covey (injured), Cooper DeJean, Jahan Dotson
Ainias Smith isn’t quite ready to take the reigns and take over for A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith yet, and he probably never will, but a TD vs. a rival is good for his confidence. We’re hopeful that he develops into something special.
