Winners and losers from Patriots’ game vs. Bengals in Week 15

The Patriots’ defense makes a win happen.

Here are the winners and losers from the New England Patriots’ game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 15 at Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday.

Winner: Stephon Gilmore, CB

Don’t throw at Gilmore. Bad things happen for a quarterback.

The Patriots cornerback, who is securing his claim as the best in the NFL, logged two interceptions during Sunday’s win. His first came on a third down, where Gilmore looked like the intended target with an impressive back-shoulder, one-handed catch.

When Andy Dalton next targeted Gilmore, the cornerback intercepted the ball and returned it for a touchdown. That provided a priceless stat from Pro Football Focus’ George Chahrouri.

Thats a jaw-dropping figure with NFL rules favoring quarterbacks and receivers more than they ever have.

Cornerback J.C. Jackson also managed two interceptions in this game.

Loser: Tom Brady, QB

He wasn’t sharp with 15 completions on 29 attempts for 128 yards and two touchdowns. A huge portion of his struggles came under pressure. Brady was pressured on nine of his first 18 drop-backs. That’s probably why Brady resorted to targeting running backs on six of his 15 completions. He didn’t have much time and needed a target who could get open quickly.

Normally, that’s Julian Edelman, but he was clearly playing through pain after dealing with a knee and shoulder issue in practice this week.

But Brady can’t blame the lack of production on his pass-catchers. (Nor would he.) He had plenty of errors. At the end of the first half when the score was still close, Brady missed on a throw to a wide open Mohamed Sanu, who had created separation for a potential touchdown in the end zone. Brady also threw the ball at running back Sony Michel’s knees on a second-half red zone drive. Michel should have hauled it in, but if Brady had hit Michel in the chest, it would have surely been a touchdown. (Brady found N’Keal Harry for a touchdown on the following play.)

Even Brady and Edelman seemed off, with the quarterback putting the ball just beyond receiver’s catch radius. Edelman finished with five targets and two receptions for six yards.

Winner: N’Keal Harry, WR

Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels kept his promise. He told reporters he wanted to get N’Keal Harry more involved in the offense. And McDaniels and Tom Brady did just that.

It wasn’t a huge day for Harry. But there were a handful of positive signs, including his touchdown catch in the second half.

It started in the first quarter, with Harry taking a jet sweep. It was an easy solution to get the rookie receiver the ball in his hands. Maybe he’s struggling with his route assignments — this helps solve that problem. (He’s not even running a route.) But when Harry was working downfield, he looked improved. He made an outrageously impressive diving catch on a play which was whistled dead because of an offsides penalty. It didn’t count, but perhaps it counted to Brady, who then targeted Harry for a first down on the following play.

Harry finished with two receptions for 15 yards and a touchdown with two carries for 22 yards. Maybe it’s rough that it’s considered a good game for a first-rounder. But it is an improvement. If he continues to develop, he could prove a tremendous asset in the postseason.

Loser: Jonathan Jones, CB

In yet another week, the Patriots’ opponent has elected to go after Jones. At least in the first quarter, he didn’t give them a reason not to. The Bengals targeted Cethan Carter in the red zone, and he ran easily past Jones, who badly missed the tackle in the open field. Touchdown.

He later left the game with an injury. Even when he’s getting targeted, he’s a crucial member of their defense. He would be a big loss.

Winner: Danny Shelton, DT

The Patriots defense needed to reset the tone. Their couldn’t defend the run. They couldn’t defend the pass. And they looked sleepy heading into their Week 15 matchup in Cincy.

Defensive tackle Danny Shelton gave the Patriots defense some momentum, however. During the second quarter, the Bengals tried and failed to convert a 4th-and-inches when Shelton pummeled guard Michael Jordan, and the defensive tackle penetrated the backfield to stuff Joe Mixon for a loss.

Loser: Jessie Bates III, S, Bengals

He’s the guy that Rex Burkhead juked to Jupiter on this 33-yard touchdown run. Burkhead delivered a beautiful shake — and bake. The offensive line set up the run to perfection. It may be Belichick’s favorite offensive play of the game– the execution was ideal.

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