An electric night in every aspect of the word, Super Bowl 52 will go down in history as one of the most incredible games in NFL history. Over 1,000 total offensive yards were shared between the two teams and plenty of moments that left fans on the edge of their seat. When all was said and done however, it would be the Eagles hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. They wouldn’t have been able to have such an honor without some stellar performances from players who only joined the team less than 12 months ago.
Corey Clement:
Perhaps the brightest star of all came from the unlikeliest of places. The undrafted running back out of Wisconsin caught 4 passes out of the backfield for a total of 100 yards and a touchdown, leading the Birds in that category. Clement was dominant and as consistent as he ever has been as a receiving option out of the backfield and with the future of Sproles uncertain, the Eagles have a running back who may not be as shifty as the legendary dual-threat, but someone who wants to run through every single tackle faced and can be just as dangerous. On the grandest stage of all, Clement wasn’t phased at all.
Derek Barnett:
Brandon Graham may have stripped Tom Brady, but it was the hustle of Derek Barnett that secured the lone turnover of the game and one of the biggest game-changing moments. Barnett’s unrelenting motor has been applauded all season long, but he showed great awareness in finding and scooping the Football.
LeGarrette Blount:
Blount may not be an Eagles forever. His prove-it deal has expired and he’s now a free agent. However he was acquired in the 2017 season, therefore he makes this list. Blount not only barreled his way to a touchdown, but acted as the Eagles workhorse back against his former team. Rushing for 90 yards on 14 carries, the Eagles felt comfortable riding Blount all night long.
Jay Ajayi:
The other back in the Eagles backfield had his moment in the spotlight too. Rushing for 57 yards, Ajayi came up with some big plays in the first half before what suffering appeared to be a minor injury. The former Phins running back was a pivotal change-of-pace when the Eagles needed it most.
Ronald Darby:
So Darby may have allowed two touchdowns on Rob Gronkowski, but is there a corner who wouldn’t have in that situation? Those plays aside, Darby made some big pass breakups and played a big role in keeping the Pats wideouts in front of him, bending and refusing to break.
Patrick Robinson:
There’s a reason why Gronkowski was quiet for so long and that reason is Patrick Robinson. The Eagles nickel corner had him under wraps during the first half until they decided to move the immovable object outside. Robinson ended his day with three tackles. Robinson is also a player now set to become a free agent, but it would behoove the Eagles to at least try to retain his services.
Jake Elliott:
Sure, he may have missed an extra point, but Jake Elliott made all three field goal attempts. That may not sound like an incredible achievement, but with the pressure of the Super Bow, for an undrafted rookie to hold his composure in clutch situations, that’s a huge day for Mr ‘Money’ himself.
Alshon Jeffery:
The Eagles number one wideout played like a number one wideout. Two beautiful over-the-shoudler catches showed his prowess against his former college teammate, with Jeffery putting on a display like never before. The most exciting part is, his recent extension means he’s just getting started.
Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
