The top 5 'Big Plays' of Darius Slay's Eagles tenure

If you haven't figured this out by now, we love telling stories, especially about our Philadelphia Eagles. Nothing lasts forever though. One day, we'll be old and grey, and it will be time to turn this platform over to a new mix of journalists with fresh ideas and theories.

That day won't come for a while though.

Don't get us wrong. We won't stress when it happens. We'll buy a rocking chair and kick our feet up. By then, hopefully we'll have some grandchildren and can tell them about the good ol' days and a few stories about the 2024-25 season.

Oh yeah! They'll hear about Saquon Barkley's reverse hurdle and his 2,000 yards rushing. We'll talk about Kellen Moore, Jalen Hurts, and, of course, the Super Bowl. But, we can't tell the tale without mentioning Vic Fangio's defense.

Darius Slay's impact on one of the greatest Eagles defenses ever assembled.

As much as we love discussing Saquon Barkley, we love talking about Zack Baun and Vic Fangio just as often. You can tell the Eagles story without talking about great defenses, Buddy Ryan, Bud Carson, and Jim Johnson. So, how fitting is it that Philly's defense played a huge role in winning another Lombardi Trophy?

Zack Baun's signing was the defensive equivalent to adding Saquon on the offensive side of the ball. Vic Fangio was the unit's architect. Slay sometimes isn't mentioned as often, but he was very instrumental in the Birds' success.

Slay's top five moments as an Eagle

Slay was again a team captain during the 2024-25 season and played the 'big brother' role to Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Both finished as Defensive Rookie of the Year finalists. Ask them, and both will credit the six-time Pro Bowler for helping them along.

The man we affectionately refer to as Big Play's legacy is set. Three of his five seasons in Philly led to Pro Bowl nominations. It's been reported he'll leave Philly during the offseason as a post-June 1st cut candidate, but he's left us with some memories.

Here are five and an honorable mention as we look back on one of the better Eagles runs we've seen as of late:

Just missing the countdown - Slay's pick-six vs. the Saints

As electric as this one was, we only shy away from placing this one in the top five because Philly had a stranglehold on this game. Slay's pick-six was the icing on the cake that put this one away, but regardless of how you slice it, this is still, it's one of the great defensive plays of his Eagles career.

That still gives us chills. Now, on to our top five. We've compiled a list of moments we think you're going to love.

5. October 31, 2021 - The fumble return in his hometown return vs. the Lions

Okay, we know... We know... This contradicts what we just said. This Week 8 game vs. the Lions in 2021 was also over when Slay scooped a fumble and returned it for six.

Why do we grade this one higher than the pick-six? It's simple... Homecomings are sometimes graded on a curve.

Slay's first seven NFL seasons were spent in the Motor City, which is also Brandon Graham and Avonte Maddox's hometown. Regardless of who you ask, however, when discussions are birthed about great Eagles plays during his time in Philadelphia, this one is normally mentioned.

4. September 10, 2023 - Slay scores the 1st TD of the Eagles' 2023 season.

From blowout wins to games that were a little closer. Philly hit the road for Week 1 of the NFL season. With just over five minutes remaining in the first quarter of a then 3-0 game, the Eagles' defense went into full tip-drill mode and scored the first touchdown of the season.

Slay was the recipient of the gift.

70 yards was the tally on that one for all who are keeping score.

3. November 14, 2021 - Slay's 83-yard scoop and score vs. the Broncos

This game-changer was a tad longer. We raise the 70-yard pick-six with an 83-yard scoop and score. The late Greg Gumbel made the call on CBS. May he continue to rest in peace.

This was the second of three defensive scores Big Play Slay would notch on the season. More importantly, the Broncos were potentially marching toward a tying score on this drive, but some Slay magic would help put this one away.

The final score was 30-13 in Philly's favor as the Broncos wouldn't score any points in the final quarter.

2. October 10, 2021 - Slay scores a pair of interceptions vs. the Carolina Panthers.

Rarely do we mention the Eagles' early trip to Charlotte during Nick Sirianni's first season. Maybe we should do so more often. Philly blew out the Atlanta Falcons in the regular-season opener. They then tacked three straight losses on the ledger, setting the stage for another road game.

The Carolina Panthers led for most of this one, but Philly's defense kept them in the game. Slay was one of the top performers, notching three tackles (including one for loss). He also collected two pass breakups and two interceptions. The first led to an Eagles TD.

If you love defensive tussles, this was your game. Philly got an extended look at then-Panthers game-wrecker Haason Reddick. He sacked first-year starter Jalen Hurts twice on back-to-back plays (and hit him on two other occasions).

A bomb to Quez Watkins set up another Eagles score. This one ended grandly. T.J. Edwards blocked a punt. Philly scored a TD on the ensuing drive. Jalen connected with DeVonta Smith for a two-point conversion.

Steven Nelson iced this one with Philly's third interception of the afternoon, and the Birds added Reddick to their roster during the following offseason.

1. September 19, 2022 - The 2022 Eagles home opener

After an opening-week shootout with the Detroit Lions, Philly returned to Lincoln Financial Field for their 2022 home-opener. Standing in their way was the Minnesota Vikings led by Kirk Cousins who had always given their defense trouble.

The high-profile matchup to watch was superstar receiver Justin Jefferson vs. Darius Slay. 'Big Play' got the best of this one, limiting the Vikes' top weapon to six receptions on 12 targets, 48 yards receiving and zero TDs.

Slay's stat line was as follows: one tackle, five pass breakups, two completions, and 19 yards allowed while being targeted nine times. He also hauled in two interceptions. It was one of the greatest nights of his Eagles career.

It's disrespectful to pull out a singular play here. We acknowledge the entire night as his greatest moment. 'Slay Day' brought with it all of the trimmings. Yes, we realize that this game has never, ever been called 'Slay Day', but it should be! Philly asked for his best in primetime, and he delivered in style.

Philly continued its march to a Super Bowl appearance in Nick Sirianni's second season at the helm. A 24-7 win over the Vikings was certainly a reason to party.

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