Cornerback Darius Slay is puzzled as to why many people did not give the Philadelphia Eagles more respect, particularly following their commanding Super Bowl victory.
In the most recent episode of the “Big Play Slay” podcast, the skilled defensive back reacted to Detroit Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown’s claim that Dan Campbell’s team would triumph over Philadelphia with a fully fit roster and to others asserting their team matches the quality of Nick Sirianni’s squad.
“I’m currently on a rampage, as that’s how it stands.” Once we won, all I see online is, ‘Oh, we’re so close to the Eagles.’ Our guy in Detroit, I adore him, I adore St. Brown. I believe he’s an incredible receiver. I heard him state, ‘Sure, we’ll find out what we could’ve achieved with a strong defense.’ All sorts of wild things. “Perhaps this is how Kansas City felt when everyone was criticizing them after their losses,” Slay remarked. “I sense that the Bills often do that to them.”
“We accepted our defeat like champions and carried on with our day,” Slay added. “You didn’t hear us grumble about, ‘Oh, the ground was slick,’ nah, we didn’t mention any of that stuff.” We handled that situation like pros since they put on their shoes just as we had to put on ours. They were in the same area just as we were in the same area, it wasn’t a major problem. However, when we achieve victory, it feels like this, that. Oh my God, people don’t realize we were among the top five in every category.
Slay believes no NFL team came near the Eagles team that ended with a 14-3 record and outperformed the reigning Super Bowl champions on the biggest platform.
“For certain teams that claim they were near us, I’m just like, ‘No way, not the 2024-25 Eagles, definitely not.’” There wasn’t anyone nearby. That’s the reason the scores appear similar to when we faced those teams. “I believe the team that was nearest to us in this postseason was the Rams,” Slay stated. “In my view, the Rams presented the greatest opportunity to defeat us throughout the entire postseason.” Since they were fully formed, they could pursue the quarterback, but they struggled to stop the run as effectively. They possessed an excellent offense and excelled at their activities.
The ex-Lions cornerback did express his continued affection for the team that selected him in 2013.
“Many teams were making a lot of claims — apart from Detroit, which demonstrated that — two years ago they performed remarkably in the playoffs, reaching the NFC Championship.” This year, they didn’t perform very well. However, Detroit, I hold nothing but affection for all of you. “Don’t misinterpret that,” Slay stated. “Don’t misunderstand me, I care about all of you.” I was cheering for you all everywhere. The only moment I don’t cheer for you all is when you play against us. “Detroit, I have a deep affection for you, so don’t misunderstand that.”
St. Brown stated in his recent podcast that he wishes to face the Eagles at the beginning of the 2025 season. The 34-year-old cornerback observed that with each season, teams undergo changes and adjust their rosters. He emphasized that the 2024 Eagles were an overpowering team that was just too talented to be defeated.
“That squad will not defeat this squad.” Win, lose, or tie, you rise and think, ‘Oh yes, this is what would’ve occurred had we faced them last year.’ No, you would not have, as that is a separate team. “Remove that thought from your mind,” Slay said. “Individuals might comment, ‘Oh, we’ll catch up with them next year.’” You won’t be seeing us next year. You won’t see the same team next year, you really won’t, you absolutely won’t. Individuals will depart, and individuals will acquire wealth. Upcoming free agency, funds becoming available. The team is going to be different. “I needed to say that as well since you all have been speaking wildly.”