The second leg of the “Monday Night Football” doubleheader was billed as a lot of things. A clash of two sides hoping to push themselves to the upper echelons of the NFC. A matchup of two quarterbacks hoping to silence their naysayers.
Above all, though, it was a chance for two of the league’s best players to face each other, one-on-one.
Eagles corner Darius Slay and Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson are undoubtedly two of the league’s biggest stars. The opportunity to see both players duke it out with one another to see who had the edge was mouth-watering.
Monday’s game was billed as a battle of titans. It ended as a one-sided affair. Slay was at his absolute best, a thorn in Jefferson’s side throughout the night. And he may have just cemented his status as the league’s best cornerback in the process.
MORE: Vikings vs. Eagles live score and results
Slay’s dominance started from the game’s opening salvo. In Minnesota’s first drive, the Vikings faced a third and five. Kirk Cousins surveyed the field for his favorite target and delivered a pass that appeared destined to hit Jefferson right in the numbers.
But Slay wasn’t having it. He tipped the ball ever so slightly, diverting its course. And as it landed harmlessly to the turf, it was clear that Slay was at his very best.
Make no mistakes about it: Monday’s showcase was a historic performance by Slay. Check it:
Darius Slay vs maybe the best WR in football:
– 6 targets
– 0 catches allowed
– 3 pass breakups
– 2 INTsOne of the best CB performances i’ve ever seen.#Eaglespic.twitter.com/jFbSh6Oqsi
— Thomas R. Petersen (@thomasrp93) September 20, 2022
.@bigplay24slay made SURE Justin Jefferson didn’t have his way Monday night ❌
🔒 6 targets
🔒 2 INTs pic.twitter.com/umibGkEAY2— 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 (@sportingnews) September 20, 2022
Jefferson, perhaps the league’s best pass-catcher, put up a donut when lined up against Slay. The Eagles’ corner got his paws on five of the six passes headed for Jefferson, two of which were INTs. Both of those INTs came inside Philadelphia’s 30, mind you. So, not only was Slay great. He was clutch.
MORE: Jalen Hurts puts on ‘big-time performance’ in Eagles vs. Vikings
Here’s the first pick. Look at the way Slay steps in front of Jefferson’s route. He read Jettas like a book. And it paid off in a big way, relieving an Eagles defense that looked weary at times at the start of the third.
SLAY back makin’ BIG PLAYS!
📺: #MINvsPHI on ABC pic.twitter.com/KwL2B0OrZ6
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 20, 2022
Slay even made sure to honor that whole “City of Brotherly Love” moniker, gifting the ball to 76ers star James Harden. He just gets it.
If that snag wasn’t impressive enough, Slay made an even better one in the fourth. With the ball inside the 10-yard line and the Minnesota surging, the whole stadium knew who Cousins was going to target. He tossed a ball toward Jefferson one play earlier, one that Slay miraculously got his paws to.
On third and goal, Cousins did it again. Slay made him pay.
.@bigplay24slay with his 2nd interception 🗣
📺: #MINvsPHI on ABC pic.twitter.com/KnV0evoizI
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 20, 2022
It was the perfect way to cap off a perfect night for Slay, a player who has quietly been one of the league’s best corners for some time. Back in 2017, he earned All-Pro honors as a member of the Lions.
However, given the perpetual state of purgatory Detroit has sat in over the years, he didn’t get quite the shine his talent deserved.
Those who mattered knew just how good Slay was. Richard Sherman called Slay “one of the best in the game,” back in 2020. Jalen Ramsey made similar remarks prior to this year’s Super Bowl.
MORE: Breaking down the numbers behind Kirk Cousins’ struggles on ‘MNF’
But under the blinking marquee sign that is “Monday Night Football”, Slay made his case loud and clear.
He is one of the best in the world. Shoot, I’m one of the best in the world, too. So, I was looking forward to the matchup.
Slay added that, although he gets plenty of plaudits from his peers, it’s media members who have repeatedly talked down on his displays:
I got a lot of respect, but you know how it always go, man. The older you get, they think you falling off but I ain’t one of them guys, man. I’m still at that elite level. I deserve a lot more respect.
I think the league respect me enough. It just be the media.
So is Slay the best corner in the league? Who knows? Ramsey’s reputation precedes him. And a poor showing against Stefon Diggs won’t change that.
There are a couple young bucks leaving their mark, too. From Marshon Lattimore to JC Jackson, there seems to be a wide array of talented DBs doing their thing in coverage.
But one thing is for certain: Slay is up there with the best. He has been for years. And he reiterated that fact under the bright lights on Monday night.
Go out and execute.@bigplay24slay | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/EtpUQds5As
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 20, 2022
