Is Eagles RB Corey Clement destined for a resurgence in year three?

Year One

Readying for his first season as an Eagle, Running Backs Coach Duce Staley asked Clement to drop weight in order to prepare for a much different role than he had been bestowed at Wisconsin. Known as a bruiser with an innate feel for inside blocking schemes in college, the third-down role was a new undertaking. The rookie entered the season at a slim 215, looking light on foot and showcasing an impressive burst in the open field. He was eased into his role as a rotational pass catcher but never lost his ability to lower the shoulder for a first down. Eagles fans were enamored with the electricity which emanated from Clement’s touch of the football. Already a hometown favorite, he announced himself to the league with back-to-back 50-yard rushing performances against the 49ers and Broncos. The latter of which put him on fantasy football owners map with three touchdowns. He followed it up with yet another 50 yard game against the Cowboys.

It wasn’t until the playoffs that Clement began fully flexing his pass-catching chops. Quietly, he had been setting the foundation for an explosive showing all season with his sensational pass blocking. Despite being generally known as a run-first player, the coaches felt comfortable leaving him in on passing plays because of his dependable pass protection. The only true two-way threat in the Eagles’ rotation with Darren Sproles’ season over, the already diverse Philadelphia offense could keep defenses even more confused with Clement in the backfield. A potent threat as a stretch runner from the shotgun, as a downhill runner in short yardage situations, a steady blocker, heady enough to diagnose blitzes in his first professional year and an emerging factor as a receiver — he stressed defensive coordinators simply by stepping on the field. Add to the list his incredible ability to set up and follow his blocks in the screen game and a new-found talent returning kicks. Below are Corey’s 2017 playoff stats:

It’s no wonder fans were fascinated to see what the young man had in store for an encore.