Bill Belichick praises Danny Shelton’s production, versatility in ‘expanded role’

FOXBORO, Mass. -- The New England Patriots decided to bring back defensive tackle Danny Shelton after an inconsistent 2018 season, and that move has paid off big time for Bill Belichick's defense.

The Patriots head coach, in his Tuesday press conference at Gillette Stadium, praised Shelton's production and versatility playing in an expanded role for arguably the NFL's top defense in 2019.

"Danny's done a good job for us," Belichick said. "(It's his) his second year (with us) -- he was in good shape, came in with a great attitude. He's really worked hard to do the things that we've asked him to do, which is a little different that what he had done in the systems (with the Cleveland Browns). He tried to do that last year, but I would say this year he's further ahead on it.

"Building on the experiences he had last year has really given us a good level of play inside. His role actually has expanded from what it was last year because he's been able to do more things and he's doing the things we've asked him to do at a good level. He's been productive and versatile. He's been big. Done a good job for us."

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Shelton has played in all five games for the Patriots. He's tallied 14 tackles (nine solo) with a career-high two sacks. He was particularly effective Sunday against the Washington Redskins, tallying three tackles and a sack. He also stuffed several Redskins runs and drew a holding penalty in the 33-7 victory.

The Patriots lost some important players from last season's defensive line in free agency, including Trey Flowers and Malcom Brown. New England's defense has been able to overcome these departures, and it leads the league in sacks, interceptions, takeaways, third-down conversions, yards allowed per game and points allowed per game entering its Week 6 matchup against the New York Giants.