NFL: Philadelphia Eagles – DeVonta Smith badly attacked

By Max Bruns

The Philadelphia Eagles are back on track. After the disappointing defeat against the Atlanta Falcons the previous week, “Philly” prevailed in the defensive battle against the New Orleans Saints with 15:12.

But tragically, the victory probably won’t stick with most Philadelphia supporters. Ultimately, the success was overshadowed by a violent hit against DeVonta Smith – which subsequently caused horror.

With a brutal hit, Saints defender Khristian Boyd knocked out the Eagles’ wide receiver – in accordance with the rules, but bordering on legality. Therefore there was no referee flag. A hit with consequences.

Smith remained unconscious. He did not train during the week due to a concussion. Meanwhile, defender Boyd was fined for his tough transition out of the NFL. According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, this is $4,600. It is the first fine in the rookie’s young career.

The tackle was unnecessary in every respect. Smith was already pushed backwards by two Saints defenders, the play was also defended and Smith no longer had a chance to gain space.

But Boyd then appeared behind the pass receiver, who trapped Smith between himself and his teammate and brutally caught him in the throat and neck area, helmet to helmet.

“The most disgusting thing I’ve ever seen”

The result of the brutal blind side hit: Smith left the party with a concussion and will not be available to the Eagles for the time being.

“Man, that was the grossest thing I’ve ever seen in football,” said Smith’s teammate CJ Gardner-Johnson after the game.

“Everyone saw that the forward movement had stopped. The fact that they hit one of our key players like that shows what kind of team they are,” complained the Eagles safety.

“Don’t surprise me with the Saints”

Philadelphia left tackle Jordan Mailata also chimed in with his teammate: “Do I think it was a nasty hit? Definitely. I just hope Smitty is okay.”

Smith lay on the ground for several minutes, Mailata and Co. gathered around the receiver – including head coach Nick Sirianni.

His center Cam Jürgens was also not happy about Boyd’s tackle: “It always sucks when a player gets hit like that.”

The reactions on social networks are similar. “A sad hit, but nothing about the Saints surprises me anymore,” wrote a user on X.

Other NFL fans speak of a life-threatening tackle. “That’s on the referees. Do you have to declare him dead until the end of the game?”

Another user said, referring to the Bountygate at the Saints: “In New Orleans they apparently brought back the bounties.”

Turner spitting scandal

The tenor is also one-sided: it was a disgusting hit from Boyd. But after the game, a video went viral, which quickly broke the camel’s back for many fans.

From a certain camera perspective, you can see Payton Turner, who was also involved in the tackle, spit on Smith, who was lying on the ground, after the hard hit.

No punishment for Turner for the time being

It is still unclear whether Turner will also be punished retroactively. If the league officials had actually been able to decipher from the TV images that the D-liner had spit on Smith, he would also face consequences.