While Eagles fans were ecstatic about the Birds bulldozing through the Broncos' No. 1 ranked defense for 197 rushing yards and the smashing debut of Jay Ajayi, rookie Corey Clement had a big day as well.
Of the Eagles running backs' 34 carries, Clement led the way with 12 touches (his most of this season) for 51 yards (4.2 average) and three touchdowns (two rushing and one receiving).
Not a bad day at the office for someone who didn't have any carries the first two games of this season. Over the last two games he's now had 22 rushes for 105 yards. What he helped contribute in this game is a clear indication that Doug Pederson has total confidence in the first-year back.
"To be honest with you I just took advantage of every opportunity that came to me," Clement said. "As an undrafted rookie free agent you can't let any opportunity slide. At the same time I gotta thank the O-line, Coach Pederson, the wide receivers blocking up such a great game, and allowing me to get into the end zone."
Clement has become an integral part of arguably the deepest backfield in the league, and with the addition of Ajayi there's only so many touches to go around.
"We have a saying that iron sharpens iron," Clement said. "If you have great backs in the room everybody wants to compete, and guys are going to want to stay on the field. If you want reps you gotta keep putting up numbers, just making sure the production stays up. You either get better or get worse."
Nine games into the season, his production is on the rise. Not bad at all for a a guy who didn't get drafted, didn't know if he'd make the Eagles' roster nor stick in the NFL for that matter and a guy who's just trying to find his niche in a stable of more seasoned runners.
"I just gotta thank the Eagles organization for even giving me a chance to come in and be a part of camp to show what I could do," Clement said. "It wasn't easy, not at all. It was some ups and downs. At the same time I just kept my head to the sky, and just knew what I could do if given the opportunity. Being a rookie I just want to be a big part of this. I'm not a selfish player, and God doesn't give you more than you can handle."