Darius Slay Shines in His 12th NFL Season with the Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay continues to defy age and expectations in his 12th NFL season. At 33, Slay is still a dominant force on the field, showcasing his skills and expertise in a league that often favors younger talent. His performance this season has not only been commendable but also instrumental in the Eagles' defensive successes.
Slay's statistics speak volumes about his prowess. Since Week 5, quarterbacks attempting passes against him have only managed a paltry 35% completion rate, amassing a mere 92 yards over 20 passes. Even more impressive is the passer rating of just 43.8 when Slay is the primary defender. Slay seems to be operating on a different level, allowing only one reception on eight pass attempts for nine yards in the last two games. He has also not allowed a touchdown since Week 5, a feat that asserts his remarkable consistency and skill.
Such stellar performances have not gone unnoticed. "I don't think enough people are talking about him, how well he's playing, especially at 33," acknowledged Cooper DeJean, reflecting a sentiment shared by many who closely follow Slay’s career. At a time when players are often considered past their prime, Slay continues to be an exception, thriving against some of the most talented wide receivers in the NFL. "He's covered a lot of dudes. So just hearing what he does with certain receivers... So just kind of hearing from him how he works receivers and kind of plays the game within the game," added DeJean. It’s this intricate understanding of the game that has allowed Slay to maintain his high performance levels.
The Eagles are benefiting greatly from Slay's contributions, leading the league by allowing an average of just 6.1 yards per attempt. They rank second in pass yards per game allowed, at 173.2 yards, and boast an opponent passer rating of 78.9, the fourth best in the league. Additionally, their completion rate defense sits at 61.5%, placing them fifth. Slay’s presence and defensive insights have undoubtedly played a vital role in these achievements.
Slay himself acknowledges the challenges he has faced and the resilience required to overcome them. "Man, everybody in this game go through a lot of adversity, and if you play the cornerback position that's where it comes in a lot... And I've been in that position early in my career with a lot of adversity and had to find a way to get out that mud. And I did," said Slay. His experiences and perseverance have not only shaped his character but also provided valuable lessons to the younger players around him.
Interestingly, Slay finds inspiration and motivation in the energy of youthful teammates. "Everybody always a positive for me. You know what I'm saying. It's always great to be around a lot of young guys, man, to keep me going," he remarked. This camaraderie and the drive to learn and adapt are elements that have fortified Slay’s longevity in a physically demanding sport.
Across the NFL, few defensive players can rival the efficacy of Slay this season. Comparatively, rising talents like Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean have sought to make their mark, with Mitchell allowing a 42.9% completion rate with no touchdowns and DeJean allowing 25 of 37 pass attempts with a 70.9 passer rating. Yet, Slay's ability to maintain such high standards at 33 is both awe-inspiring and a testament to his work ethic.
Cooper DeJean succinctly captured the essence of Slay’s enduring career, stating, "So it's awesome to see his longevity, the way he takes care of himself, to be able to play this long in the league." Slay’s dedication to maintaining peak performance is evident, offering not just experience on the field but also a model for aspiring players.
As the season progresses, Darius Slay’s efforts continue to bolster the Philadelphia Eagles’ ambitions. His formidable presence on the field and wealth of experience make him an invaluable asset to the team and an exemplary figure in the NFL landscape.