“I thank both of those guys for grabbing that attention to allow me to be open down the field,” Smith said.
Smith has seen an uptick in snaps as wide receiver Tutu Atwell has worked his way back from a hamstring injury, and, in the case of Sunday, when Atwell was not yet activated off of Injured Reserve the first week of his 21-day practice window being opened. Sunday’s game in Charlotte marked the third time in Smith’s last five games he played more than 38% of Los Angeles’ offensive snaps.
“Just understanding the offense as a whole,” Smith said, when asked what he’s improved on since entering the NFL in 2023. “Making that jump from college to the NFL, where it’s a different game, the speed is a little different. A lot of times, people always say the NFL is 90% mental, so just increasing my knowledge of the game, and just becoming more comfortable within the offense as a whole.”
This isn’t the first time Smith has put explosive playmaking in the pass game on tape this season, having also corralled a 36-yard reception against the Texans in Week 1. Whether it’s been in that phase or on special teams, Smith has made the most of his opportunities.
“He did a great job, and that’s what he’s done,” McVay said. “Whether it’s as a returner, whether it’s as a gunner, when he’s gotten his opportunities as a receiver, he’s just consistently delivered.”