Winners and losers from Patriots’ hard-fought win over the Eagles

A rough night for Tom Brady and the passing game.

Winner: Danny Shelton, DL

The Patriots’ run defense looked improved against the Eagles, who finished with 3.9 yards per carry. New England had been porous against the Ravens, and perhaps this effort was proof that the Cowboys, the Patriots’ Week 12 opponent, may not pummel New England’s front.

Defensive tackle Danny Shelton, in particular, was a major part of the defensive line’s improvements. He finished with a team-high seven tackles and a forced fumble while spending a great deal of time in the Eagles’ backfield. He wasn’t just a force on running plays — he managed a strip-sack on Wentz.

Loser: Tom Brady, QB

The Patriots quarterback wasn’t sharp (26/47, 216 passing yards). He finished the first half with 14 incompletions, an unfortunate career-high. Brady had a few brilliant throws, including a pinpoint pass to tight end Ben Watson down the seam for 22 yards. Those impressive moments came too few and far between.

Of course, Brady’s supporting cast needed to do better. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels seemed intent upon experimenting with pushing personnel into situations where they need an increased comfort level. That’s why Sony Michel got four targets in the passing game for two receptions and 11 yards. That’s also why N’Keal Harry saw a handful of early snaps, even before Phillip Dorsett suffered a head injury that took him out of the game. In theory, that will produce long-term gains. In the short term, it didn’t look pretty.

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