We’re deep into the offseason, and as Eagles gamers and coaches take pleasure in their down time earlier than coaching camp, Darius Slay known as in to Chris Lengthy’s “Inexperienced Gentle” podcast and talked concerning the 2023 Eagles, what he sees from among the younger defensive gamers, and Vic Fangio.
Slay doubled down on feedback he made earlier this offseason, noting that the explanation he returned to Philly in 2023 was in no small half because of Large Dom. The CB stated that he deliberate to comply with former Eagles DB coach Dennard Wilson to Baltimore, however then Dom known as Slay up and the remainder is historical past. He admitted that Philly is a good place to be, however on the time, they weren’t prepared to pay him the best way 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 recreation. 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 thus lengthy. It’ll take a little bit extra time to get that understanding with among the youthful gamers.
Slay additionally talked concerning the slide on the finish of the season, and chalked it as much as dropping guys early (Avonte Maddox) and all through the season (Reed Blankenship), in addition to having younger guys who didn’t have a number of expertise.
“I had a number 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 tough, and with [James Bradberry], me and JB simply tried to do our greatest to assist out, however a nook’s actually solely nearly as good as his security speaking to him — typically that’s simply how it’s.”
He famous that these communication points actually turned an issue in opposition to groups that use a number of movement, which is how the tip of their season was arrange. They had been seeing fairly a couple of groups late within the yr who motioned rather a lot, and it was a problem.
Now that Vic Fangio is in Philly, Slay stated 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 blissful to do no matter is required of him this season. The CB talked about going into 12 months 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 in and are working exhausting. He stated that Mitchell is a extremely explosive participant, quick and athletic, and DeJean could be very clever as evidenced by his capability to play each place within the secondary. The veteran sees each rookies being able to step on the sphere shortly, and quipped that they undoubtedly want the 2 to be able to play.
Relating to Fangio being an old-fashioned coach, Slay stated that the brand new DC is doing an amazing job. The CB stated Fangio was a little bit bit quiet, and gamers need to go to his workplace to speak, however he’s very detail-oriented and tells each man precisely what he desires from every place.
“[Fangio] appear to be the kind of coach that, ‘When you don’t do what I would like you to do, I don’t care how a lot you receives a commission, I’m benching ya.’”
Nonetheless, Slay stated he likes the vibe, and thru OTAs issues have been good.
The CB expressed pleasure about Devin White becoming a member of the crew, with Slay calling the linebacker sooner than what folks assume, very athletic, and large. 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 stated the second-year participant seems to be rather a lot 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.
