Slay’s ‘big play’ earns defensive player of week nod

PHILADELPHIA » Lost in the excitement of Darius “Big Play” Slay’s 83yard fumble return for a touchdown last week was the impact the play has in the won-loss column.

Since realignment in 2002, teams that returned a fumble for a defensive touchdown have won 72.9 percent of the time.

Slay has two TDs on fumble recoveries this season and the Eagles are 2-0 in those games. He’s among 45 players to return two fumbles for scores in a single season, as well as the third Eagle to do so, joining Juqua Parker (2011) and Seth Joyner (1991).

The flamboyant Slay had some interesting things to say Wednesday after being named NFC defensive player of the week. Former Temple and current Georgia Tech head coach Geoff Collins gave him the Big Play moniker. And if you want to know the truth, Slay felt snubbed when Marshon Lattimore of the Saints was defensive player of the week in Week 5 despite two Slay interceptions sparking the Eagles to a win over Panthers.

Slay has his own history. He has two of only six fumbles returned for TDs this season.

“It was a blessing to be on that list,” Slay said of player of the week. “I think I should have won twice. I should have won in Carolina. But it’s OK. It’s all good. I appreciate being on that list. A lot of great guys on that list. I’ll just try to keep building from there.”

In that Eagles’ win over the Panthers, Slay had two interceptions of Sam Darnold, two passes defensed and three solo tackles, including one for loss, in a 21-18 decision. Slay probably should have been defensive player of the player of the week then.

Lattimore, who checks into the Linc with the Saints this Sunday, recorded a career-high six passes defensed in a 3322 victory at Washington. It was the most passes defensed by a player in a single game since Kyle Fuller in 2017.

The consolation prize in Week 5 for the Eagles was linebacker TJ Edwards winning NFC special teams player of the week. Edwards blocked a punt fueling the comeback triumph at Carolina.

The fumble returns and the picks should put Slay in good stead with the Pro Bowl voters. Slay made the Pro Bowl three straight seasons for the Lions from 2017-19.

It was Collins, who later guided the Owls to a couple of Bowl games, who got Slay thinking about big plays when he gave him the nickname during their time together at Mississippi State, Slay making a ton of interceptions at practices.

Slay took great pride in adopting the nickname and until Wednesday, never looking back.

••• Miles Sanders returned to work Wednesday, the Eagles activating his 21day practice window.

Cleared to resume activities after injuring his foot, Sanders gives the Eagles depth at a position that’s been functioning almost flawlessly in the three games he’s missed.

The Eagles averaged 209 rushing yards and have run for seven TDs in that time, veterans

Jordan Howard and Boston Scott scoring three TDs apiece.

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said the decision to promote Sanders to the active roster would be a collaborative effort involving management, coaches and doctors.

“He’s one of our better players, so he’s definitely going to go if he looks healthy,” Sirianni said. “Again, though, I just want to see how it looks this week. I’ll have more answers for you on Friday.”

••• The Eagles held a walkthrough Wednesday, not a practice, so the injury report was an estimation.

Defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (not injury related — resting player), tight end Dallas Goedert (concussion) and linebacker Davion Taylor (knee) didn’t work.

Limited were linebacker Shaun Bradley (shoulder), defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (shoulder), offensive tackle Lane Johnson (not injury related — resting player), center Jason Kelce (not injury related — resting player) and safety Rodney McLeod (knee).