Winners and losers in Eagles’ 20-16 victory over Colts | Jeff McLane

The Eagles' defense held off Andrew Luck and the Colts in the waning minutes of Sunday's game.

Here's who stood out — and who didn't — at the Linc.

UP — It wasn't a clean performance. Wentz said his two turnovers in the red zone were inexcusable. But it took only the first drive to see that the quarterback was back, despite nine months without football following knee surgery. And when Wentz spun out of a would-be sack and scrambled for a first down, it was like watching the 2017 version of No. 11 all over again.

UP — Jim Schwartz's unit once again saved the day. The Eagles held the Colts to field goals following Wentz's turnovers and, overall, allowed just one touchdown on five possessions inside the 20.

UP — The second-year defensive end had a rough start to his season. He was held sackless and committed multiple penalties in the first two games. But he arrived Sunday, recording 1 1/2 sacks — the last a solo takedown of Andrew Luck on fourth down late in the game.

UP — He's a survivor. Relegated to inactive duty in the second half of last season, Smallwood was deemed expendable by many this offseason. But he kept chugging along, and with injuries to Jay Ajayi and Darren Sproles, he made key contributions — including scoring the winning touchdown — against the Colts.

SIDEWAYS — His two pass-interference penalties weren't egregious. He got caught grabbing a little on underthrown passes even though he looked back to knock the ball away. But they were penalties nonetheless. Mills battled throughout, however, and notched two pass breakups and five tackles.

UP — The Colts were schemed up to stop the Eagles receiver. Wentz had targeted Agholor just once about halfway through the third quarter. But he came up big when it counted, converting two third downs with yards after the catch on the winning drive.

DOWN — Doug Pederson dialed up a lot of two- and three-tight end sets with the Eagles shorthanded at receiver. But Kamar Aiken, Jordan Matthews and even Agholor did little to stretch the Colts defense when lined up outside. The offense needs Alshon Jeffery, who could be back next week.

UP — The rookie tight end caught seven passes for 73 yards and his first career touchdown. The Eagles leaned on Zach Ertz and Goedert, but even when Jeffery returns, two-tight end sets should remain a staple of the offense.

DOWN — The Colts quarterback is clearly working himself back into throwing shape following a significant shoulder injury, but he looked like a shadow of his former self. Luck's arm wasn't even strong enough for the last-second Hail Mary as he was hooked for backup Jacoby Brissett.

UP — Indianapolis was outgained by nearly 2 to 1 in yards, and was more than doubled in time of possession (19 minutes, 40 seconds to the Eagles' 40:20). But the former Eagles offensive coordinator had the Colts battling his former team to the buzzer.

DOWN — Dave Fipp's units have been sloppy. They committed three penalties, muffed a punt and did little in the return game. Jake Elliott missed a 42-yard field goal last week, but it's hard to chasten the kicker for hooking a 55-yard attempt in wet conditions.

UP — A three-headed ground attack gained 142 yards on 32 carries (4.4 average) thanks in large part to the work of the O-line. Wentz was sacked five times, but a few of those fell on the shoulders of the quarterback.

>> READ MORE: Eagles-Colts as it happened

>> MORE PHOTOS: Eagles 20, Colts 16 | Scenes from the sidelines

>> ANALYSIS: Eagles exude confidence on both sides of the ball in character win over Colts | David Murphy

>> SOCIAL MEDIA ROUNDUP: What they're saying about Carson Wentz's return

>> READ MORE: Grading Carson Wentz and the Eagles' performance | Paul Domowitch

>> READ MORE: The Eagles' defense needed a big play, and Derek Barnett delivered once again | Mike Sielski

>> READ MORE: Eagles 20, Colts 16: In 2018 debut, Carson Wentz relies on defense to come through in clutch

>> READ MORE: Hallelujah! Carson Wentz returns | Marcus Hayes

>> READ MORE: With Wendell Smallwood and Corey Clement, Eagles dig deep into depleted backfield to grind past Colts

>> READ MORE: Rodney McLeod felt good after Eagles' win, pending tests; Dallas Goedert has his best game so far

>> READ MORE: Red-zone defense, not Carson Wentz, was difference maker for Eagles

>> READ MORE: How the Eagles grinded out a 17-play, 11-minute game-winning drive | Jeff McLane

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