"Big Play Slay" is frankly one of the best nicknames in all of sports right now. It's certainly an accurate moniker for Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay Jr.
Slay's first career postseason interception and first interception since 2023 came at a great time last week when he picked off Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love in Philly's 22-10 Wild Card Round victory.
His position coach wants to know if he's got another Big Play in the gas tank. Literally.
Eagles pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach Christian Parker left an actual gas can in Slay's locker with attached with a note that reads: "How much gas do you have left in the Big Play tank?"
Parker, who's actually over a full year younger than Slay, has become one of the most well-known defensive assistants this season after reuniting under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. Parker was defensive backs coach for the Denver Broncos during Fangio's last season as head coach there in 2021. He stayed in Denver through the 2023 season.
Just like he was for the Broncos, Parker has been a boon for the Eagles' secondary, helping develop rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean as well as getting another quality year out of the 12-year vet in Slay. Clearly, he knows how to connect with players of all ages.
Last Sunday was arguably Slay's best game of the entire season. Not only did he haul in his first interception in well over a year, he allowed a passer rating of just 2.8 when targeted in coverage as the Eagles shut down the Packers' offense.
The challenge may be greater this time around against the Los Angeles Rams. Matthew Stafford managed a great outing against a Minnesota Vikings defense that has stifled quarterbacks this season. He won't be afraid to test Slay and Co. in coverage.
Will Slay answer the literal, physical call from his coach? We'll find out Sunday afternoon.
