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Eagles' Bench Tension: Smith Ignores Hurts Amidst Loss
29 Sep
Summary
- DeVonta Smith's cold reaction to Jalen Hurts on the bench caused fan speculation.
- Fans compared Smith's behavior to A.J. Brown's issues with Hurts last season.
- Smith's role has grown since A.J. Brown's departure, with increased targets.
The Philadelphia Eagles experienced a significant on-field setback with a 27-7 loss to the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, marking their first defeat of the 2026 season. Adding to the disappointment, sideline interactions between franchise quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver DeVonta Smith sparked considerable fan discussion and concern.
During the game, eagle-eyed fans observed Smith exhibiting cold body language towards Hurts while both were seated on the bench. This perceived tension immediately drew comparisons to the relationship issues between Hurts and former Eagles receiver A.J. Brown that surfaced last season, leading to widespread social media commentary.
However, the dynamic between Hurts and Smith differs significantly from his past with Brown. Smith, drafted in 2021, has been with the Eagles throughout their Super Bowl contention and stepped into the WR1 role after Brown's exit. His targets have increased from 6.6 to 9.0 per game. Furthermore, Hurts and Smith share a history, having played together at Alabama.
