Eagles winners, losers from preseason loss to Patriots: QB in trouble; UDFA close to making roster

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The Eagles lost 24-21 to the New England Patriots on Saturday night at Gillette Stadium, but it was not a bad night.

Many of their players stood out positively. So for this edition of winners and losers, we have seven winners and two losers.

Let’s begin ...

Trotter is in a tough situation for his own development. He is a starting-caliber linebacker stuck in one of the NFL’s deepest units, with little chance of earning meaningful playing time. Unless injuries occur or Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio decides to play three linebackers at a higher rate, he won’t play for most of the year.

Trotter may not get the opportunity, but he deserves more playing time. He proved as much against the Patriots, shooting through the A-gap in the first quarter to sack quarterback Tommy DeVito.

Shipley was a bulldozer against New England’s defense, tearing down the defensive linemen, linebackers and defensive backs with every hit. Bodies were flying off him as he pushed for extra yards. He also punished Patriots defenders during joint practices. He finished Saturday night’s game with 56 rushing yards and a touchdown.

Shipley, in his third season with the Eagles, is running more violently and looks more explosive than he did last season. He is a roster lock.

Willie Lampkin, Drew Kendall, Jake Majors, Markel Bell and Fred Johnson opened the running lanes on Shipley’s big runs. As a unit, they played well.

After going quiet this past week, Cooper re-emerged against the Patriots in a big way, finishing with 3 catches for 44 yards.

With 5:35 remaining in the first quarter, Cooper ran through Patriots linebacker Chad Muma’s tackle attempt and picked up 25 yards down the right sideline.

Cooper did a great job of getting open against New England’s cornerbacks.

Robinson makes the winners’ list for the second straight week. After getting a sack against the Ravens last week, he recorded 2 sacks, 2 tackles for a loss and 3 quarterback hits against the Patriots. He plays with a relentless motor and is taking advantage of his opportunities.

Steele was a surprise standout. He leapt over Patriots cornerback Brandon Crossley and picked up 14 yards on a reception. He also caught a 20-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Steele faces an uphill battle to make the Eagles’ 53-man roster, but a performance like that will help him make the practice squad.

Weru, the Kenya native who has never played American football before this season, exploded off the edge and beat Patriots sixth-round pick Dametrious Crownover for a sack in third quarter. The Eagles may have to put him on the 53 so another team doesn’t claim him.

Dalton was dreadful. He nearly threw two interceptions during the second quarter, with bad placement on both attempts. He also overthrew rookie tight end Eli Stowers on what could have been a big gain.

At 38 and entering his 16th season, he should look better. The Eagles have given Dalton a chance to compete with McKee for the backup job, but that might end after tonight. Dalton completed 3 of his 10 attempts for 44 yards, while McKee went 16 of 22 for 173 yards and 2 touchdowns.

McKee has also struggled during camp, but he still offers more upside than Dalton, who has a weak arm.

If the Eagles find a suitor, trading Dalton for a seventh-round pick would be a good deal. That’s what they gave up to acquire Dalton from the Carolina Panthers in March.

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Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams beat third-string cornerback Ambry Thomas for a 69-yard touchdown down the right sideline in the second quarter. Thomas likely won’t make the Eagles’ 53-man roster, but Philadelphia’s main backups did not have a great night either. Kelee Ringo was called for illegal contact in the second quarter and also dropped an interception. Mac McWilliams suffered an injury and left the game.

Shaun Wade forced a fumble in the fourth quarter. However, Wade was called for a pass interference on the final drive, but he was bailed out by an offsetting penalty.

With 57 seconds left in the game, Patriots wide receiver Nick DeGennaro beat new Eagles cornerback Isaiah Bolden for a 37-yard, game-winning touchdown.

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