We’re deep into the offseason, and as Eagles gamers and coaches get pleasure from their down time earlier than coaching camp, Darius Slay referred to as in to Chris Lengthy’s “Inexperienced Mild” podcast and talked concerning the 2023 Eagles, what he sees from a number of the younger defensive gamers, and Vic Fangio.
Slay doubled down on feedback he made earlier this offseason, noting that the rationale he returned to Philly in 2023 was in no small half attributable to Massive Dom. The CB mentioned that he deliberate to observe former Eagles DB coach Dennard Wilson to Baltimore, however then Dom referred to as Slay up and the remaining is historical past. He admitted that Philly is a superb place to be, however on the time, they weren’t prepared to pay him the way in which the Ravens had been.
Lengthy then requested Slay concerning the 2023 season, and the CB highlighted the significance (and lack) of communication, particularly with how they had been rotating guys into completely different spots every sport. He defined that with Avonte Maddox within the slot, Slay is aware of instinctively the place to go and who to cowl as a result of they’ve performed collectively for therefore lengthy. It’ll take just a little extra time to get that understanding with a number of the youthful gamers.
Slay additionally talked concerning the slide on the finish of the season, and chalked it as much as shedding guys early (Avonte Maddox) and all through the season (Reed Blankenship), in addition to having younger guys who didn’t have lots of expertise.
“I had lots of younger guys rotating out and in, in order a veteran and chief, it was like, ‘How do I am going about it?’ […] So, that was simply troublesome, and with [James Bradberry], me and JB simply tried to do our greatest to assist out, however a nook’s actually solely pretty much as good as his security speaking to him — generally that’s simply how it’s.”
He famous that these communication points actually turned an issue towards groups that use lots of movement, which is how the top of their season was arrange. They had been seeing fairly a number of groups late within the 12 months who motioned lots, and it was a problem.
Now that Vic Fangio is in Philly, Slay mentioned that he spoke to the brand new Eagles DC about his willingness to journey with opposing receivers or to only keep on the left, and being completely satisfied to do no matter is required of him this season. The CB talked about going into Yr 12, and jokingly acknowledged that’s why the Eagles went DB-heavy with their first two draft picks.
Slay defined that each Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean have are available and are working arduous. He mentioned that Mitchell is a extremely explosive participant, quick and athletic, and DeJean could be very clever as evidenced by his potential to play each place within the secondary. The veteran sees each rookies being able to step on the sector rapidly, and quipped that they undoubtedly want the 2 to be able to play.
Concerning Fangio being an old-fashioned coach, Slay mentioned that the brand new DC is doing a fantastic job. The CB mentioned Fangio was just a little bit quiet, and gamers should go to his workplace to speak, however he’s very detail-oriented and tells each man precisely what he needs from every place.
“[Fangio] appear like the kind of coach that, ‘When you don’t do what I want you to do, I don’t care how a lot you receives a commission, I’m benching ya.’”
Nonetheless, Slay mentioned he likes the vibe, and thru OTAs issues have been good.
The CB expressed pleasure about Devin White becoming a member of the group, with Slay calling the linebacker quicker than what folks assume, very athletic, and massive. White was somebody Slay had envisioned becoming into the Eagles protection even earlier than the LB was signed. He additionally talked about Nolan Smith and mentioned the second-year participant appears lots completely different this offseason, however so long as Smith has been in Philly, he solely is aware of one velocity and is giving it his all each second they’re at work.
