The 57 most important players

If there’s one play that perfectly summarizes Darius Slay’s outstanding 2022 season, and his value to the Eagles’ defense, it was his first of two interceptions against the Vikings in Week 2. Slay was defending Justin Jefferson on both picks, which is kind of a big deal as Jefferson is probably the NFL’s best receiver.

With 10:01 left in the third quarter and Minnesota on the Philadelphia 19-yard line, Slay ran Jefferson’s route better than Jefferson did, and came up with the pick.

Slay appeared on the “All Things Covered” podcast with Bryant McFadden and Patrick Peterson not long after that game, and he got into how he approaches his work against younger receivers like Jefferson.

“When you’re a young and talented guy, man, you think everything works,” Slay said. “I’ve played this game so long — I know what you’re gonna do. I know your tendencies, I know what you like the most. He had a lot of tales for me to steal on film. Young guys don’t see, but I see that because I like to watch film a lot. Every tale I did was truthful.

“The first pass breakup I had, it made me confirm that’s what he does. That early? It’s gonna be a long night for anybody. No matter what type of talent you have or how much better you feel like you are than me, that means I really got your tale on what you do.

“What I watched on film and what I watch how his release is… that’s why I made the plays I did.”

Slay’s enviable combination of cornerback acumen and physical ability allowed him to give up just 44 catches on 80 targets this season so far for 536 yards, 155 yards after the catch, four touchdowns, three interceptions, nine pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 76.9. No matter which Chiefs receiver he’s covering in the Super Bowl (and like James Bradberry, Slay is excellent when covering tight ends), Patrick Mahomes and his targets had best be aware of what Big Play Slay brings to this game.