The issue with Wendell Smallwood has never been effort or ability. It’s been availability and, as a result, opportunity — meaning a lack of it.
While Smallwood’s performance during the Eagles’ 20-16 win over the Colts was a pleasant surprise to many observers, the running back’s production was in line with previous games in which he was a focal point of the offense.
Prior to Sunday, Smallwood was averaging 3.9 yards per rushing attempt with two touchdowns. Yet, in games where the third-year veteran carried the ball at least 10 times, he's had a 4.3 average and found the end zone twice. The Eagles also had a 4-1 record in those contests.
Against the Colts, Smallwood carried 10 times for 56 yards – a 5.6 average – and scored his third career rushing touchdown. The Eagles also improved to 5-1 in games he carried at least 10 times.
Despite concerns over Smallwood’s size as a fifth-round draft pick in 2016, the 5-foot-10, 208-pound back runs hard and doesn’t shy away from tacklers. He prides himself on getting the offensive line fired up, and suggested the Eagles were able to wear down the Colts’ front.
That style of back also needs volume sometimes to maximize their impact on a defense, which might explain why Smallwood has looked better with larger workloads.
Of course, with physicality comes contact, and with contact comes injuries, which have been the story of Smallwood’s career. He was limited by a knee injury in 2017, then lost his spot in the rotation after the Eagles traded for Jay Ajayi.
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“It was difficult knowing what I can do and how I can help this team,” said Smallwood postgame. “It kind of fueled me coming into this year.
“I’ll never take a down or a play or anything for granted knowing how I had to sit last year or I got hurt and couldn’t really get back into the lineup. It makes me take advantage of every opportunity I get. I don’t ever want to put myself in that situation again.”
Smallwood isn’t suddenly going to find himself as the feature back here, with Ajayi, Darren Sproles and Corey Clement all ahead on the depth chart. However, he’s a reliable fourth option for the Eagles, at the very least.
“Wendell has always impressed me,” said Eagles coach Doug Pederson. “He's worked extremely hard. He's really improved his craft and put himself in a position to help us.
“Got to have guys like that. Might be role players, but you know what, their role is pretty big in games like this when your two top guys are down in the backfield.”
Watching Smallwood run the way he did Sunday – plus catch three passes for 35 yards – you can’t help but wonder, as some did in ’16 and ‘17, how much more he could do should the opportunity ever arise.