Nolan Smith Shines with Dominant Performance, Secures Game Ball Against the Packers!

Nolan Smith made a splash in his recent game as the Eagles triumphed over the Packers, 22-10, pushing them into the divisional round of the playoffs. After the game, he shared that he needed to find his mom because he wanted to make her proud.

And she had every reason to be proud. Smith delivered an outstanding performance, racking up 7 tackles and 2 sacks. At just 23, he became the youngest Eagle to achieve 2 sacks in a playoff game.

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni was quick to acknowledge Smith’s effort. He awarded Smith the game ball, highlighting his fun-loving spirit and physical play. “I want my sons to play football like Nolan,” Sirianni said, emphasizing how much Smith enjoys the game. His teammates also appreciate his energy and hard work.

Smith’s ability to disrupt the Packers’ quarterback, Jordan Love, was significant. Before this game, Love had only been sacked 14 times all season. Smith credited his defensive tackles for their support, saying, “Shoutout to Milton Williams. I might give Milt half of my playoff check!”

Beyond his two sacks, Smith was effective against the run, showing that he’s more than just an edge rusher. This season, he has transformed into a key player on the Eagles’ top-ranked defense, with impressive stats such as 6.5 sacks and 11 quarterback hits during the regular season.

Smith’s journey has been remarkable. After a quiet rookie season, expectations were low for this year. However, he has stepped up to the challenge, especially since other players like Brandon Graham were sidelined. His growth mindset keeps him striving for improvement; “I can always get better,” he stated.

In addition to his defensive contributions, Smith also took on special teams duty. He made a crucial tackle during a kickoff return, showing his willingness to help the team wherever he can. “It’s football. This is what I signed up for,” he said with enthusiasm.

Reflecting on his performance, Smith noted that he had a slow start to the season but has developed into one of the Eagles’ most valuable players. His success in this recent game has left him excited for what’s to come.

When asked what his mom would think of his performance, he smiled and said, “I know she’s going to cry and give me a hug. That’s what I tried to do: leave it all out there on the field.”