Eagles studs and duds from 24-21 preseason loss to Patriots

Philadelphia’s 24-21 loss to New England featured several performances that could significantly influence roster and depth-chart decisions. The Eagles received encouraging production from Tanner McKee and several young defenders, but the secondary allowed two touchdown passes covering more than 35 yards. Here are the studs and duds from Saturday’s game.

Stud: Tanner McKee

McKee was Philadelphia’s best quarterback by a wide margin. He completed 16 of 22 attempts for 173 yards and two touchdowns, finding Britain Covey and Carson Steele for scores.

His 125.8 passer rating reflected an efficient performance that should move him ahead of Andy Dalton in the QB2 competition.

Stud: Carson Steele

Steele led the Eagles with six receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. He also carried 12 times for 33 yards.

His 20-yard touchdown reception gave Philadelphia a 21-17 lead with 3:39 remaining and showed the versatility he could provide as a hybrid running back and fullback.

Stud: Ty Robinson

Robinson needed less than one half to record four tackles, two sacks, three tackles for loss and three quarterback hits.

The second-year defensive tackle has quickly moved from a developmental player to someone who could command regular snaps.

Stud: Will Shipley

Shipley rushed for 56 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. He provided Philadelphia’s most consistent rushing production and averaged 5.1 yards per attempt.

Stud: Jeremiah Trotter Jr.

Trotter recorded five tackles, an open-field stop on Tommy DeVito and a perfectly timed sack. He has sacks in consecutive preseason games and continues to display improved processing speed.

Stud: Joshua Weru

Weru recorded his first preseason sack by bending around the edge and beating Dametrious Crownover. He continues to reward the Eagles for investing developmental snaps in him.

Stud: Shaun Wade

Wade recorded a game-high 10 tackles and forced his second fumble in as many preseason games. He was consistently around the football and made another strong statement on the roster.

Dud: Andy Dalton

Dalton completed three passes on 10 attempts and finished with a 45.4 passer rating. He struggled with his accuracy and failed to generate consistent offense.

Dud: Ambry Thomas

Thomas allowed Kyle Williams to get behind him for a 69-yard touchdown. The absence of safety help contributed to the play, but Thomas still allowed too much separation.

Dud: Quez Watkins

Watkins was targeted three times without recording a reception. He also failed to produce a significant play in the return game.

Dud: Eagles’ secondary depth

New England quarterbacks threw for 280 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. The Patriots generated touchdown passes of 69 and 37 yards, with the second coming with 57 seconds remaining.

Regardless of individual responsibility, allowing two explosive touchdowns represented Philadelphia’s biggest defensive problem.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Eagles studs and duds from 24-21 preseason loss to Patriots