It might have been a last-minute 24-21 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 2 of the preseason, but the Philadelphia Eagles should feel like they got a productive day from the team.
The Eagles were much better on offense, producing 301 yards and tripling the first downs from their Week 1 game against the Baltimore Ravens, with 18. Philly's defense played well for the most part, but two deep-ball touchdown passes were the difference in the loss.
There were a lot more winners in this game for the Eagles than in Week 1 of the preseason. Here's a look at the winners and losers from the contest.
Winners and losers from Eagles' preseason loss to the Patriots
Winner: Darius Cooper, WR
Last week was a quiet game for Cooper, but the Eagles-Patriots game showed the flashes that have been reported in the first four weeks of training camp. He finished the contest with three receptions for 44 yards, including a 25-yard completion. Cooper should feel good about that performance, as he might have secured the WR3 job.
Loser: Ambry Thomas, CB
That 69-yard touchdown pass Thomas allowed in the first half was bad. He got burned pretty badly, and he's already had a rough training camp. When we put him on our list of Eagles players that couldn't afford to make a mistake, this is what we were thinking. Thomas probably secured his spot on the roster for now.
Winner: Ty Robinson, DT
Robinson is really becoming a special player, racking up four tackles, three quarterback hits, three tackles for loss, and two sacks. Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said that Robinson was on life support entering training camp. Robinson has provided new life on this defensive line, which is a welcome sight.
Loser: Andy Dalton, QB
Things appear to be getting worse for Dalton despite getting two straight starts at quarterback. He went 3-of-10 for 44 yards in the loss. Tanner McKee appears to be the backup because Dalton is 6-of-16 in the two preseason games, and it's an ugly stat line.
Winner: Jeremiah Trotter Jr., LB
Trotter's motor and energy make him a fun player to watch, as his lightning-quick sack of Patriots quarterback Tommy DeVito is a perfect example of how good he is. Trotter racked up five tackles, one tackle for loss, one quarterback hit, and one sack. He honestly doesn't need to play in Week 3 because he's not only earned a roster spot, but he should be in the rotation with Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell.
Winner: Shaun Wade, CB
Wade isn't the perfect coverage corner, but his effort is undeniable. He led the Eagles in tackles with 10, but for the second straight week, he forced a fourth-quarter fumble that was recovered by the defense. The chances of Wade making the roster may still be low, but he's making an argument to be on the practice squad.
Loser: Quez Watkins, WR
Watkins was targeted three times and caught zero. It's not looking good for him to make the roster, and he could be headed to the practice squad or out of the NFL. This preseason has not gone particularly well for Watkins.
Winner: Will Shipley, RB
It was already a fantastic week for Shipley after playing well in the joint practices with the Patriots, but this game vindicated everything that was reported. He finished with 11 carries for 56 yards and one touchdown. There's no doubt he is RB3 and might be making a case to be in the rotation in the offense during the regular season.
Winner: Carson Steele, RB
Steele had a breakout game for the Eagles and proved to be a great receiving threat in the passing game. He rushed for 33 yards on 12 carries and caught six passes for 84 yards and one touchdown. If the Eagles wanted to add a fullback, Steele might be a good option for them to keep.
Read more: 24 hours later and Eagles turn draft pick from castoff to IR member
Winner: Joshua Weru, EDGE
After just two football games, Weru has adapted to the sport very quickly. He had three tackles, one quarterback hit, one tackle for loss, and one sack. Many were on the fence about Weru making the 53-man roster, but that isn't the case anymore, as he might make it.
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