Jason Burgos
Darius Slay recently offered up a fascinating and hilarious look at how disastrous the Philadelphia Eagles’ decision to switch defensive play callers during the season ended up being.
In 2022, the Eagles’ defense was a core part of their outstanding season and a major reason why they were able to reach the Super Bowl. However, after defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon departed the team in the offseason to become the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, there were some fears the Philly defense may regress in 2023.
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Those concerns were proven true this season as the once mighty unit gave up 30 or more points six times and their disappointing play surprisingly led to Sean Desai — Gannon’s replacement — losing his play-calling duties during the season and former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia taking over. Unfortunately for the Eagles, the switch made no difference, and they played poorly to end the season and were sent back from the playoffs by the Buccaneers, 32-9.
- Darius Slay stats (2023-24): 57 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1 touchdown, 14 passed defended
On Wednesday, Philadelphia Eagles defensive star Darius Slay was one of the many players who spoke to the media about the disappointing finish in what originally seemed like a once-promising season. During those conversations, the five-time Pro Bowler and defensive captain had a funny explanation for the confusing “two marriages” the play-caller change created for players on that side of the ball.
Darius Slay offers hilarious perspective on Philadelphia Eagles’ major midseason change on defense
“I’ve never been part of that, a whole new coordinator coming in,” Slay said (via Andrew DiCecco). “That’s tough, but I don’t control that kind of stuff. I just try to do my job the best I can. Trying to find two identities. It’s tough. It’s like having two marriages. You know how hard two marriages would probably be in a household?
“Two personalities of two women? That’s tough. No offense to the women. That’s crazy talk. One might want her feet rubbed, one might want her shoulder rubbed. That’s crazy.”
It will be interesting to see if the organization brings back Patricia — who went 1-4 as the play-caller — in 2024 or if they go with two completely new visions in both the defensive and offensive coordinator spots next season.
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