Good Vibes: Matt Patricia addressed his relationship with Darius Slay during his media availability yesterday

Philadelphia Eagles’ new unofficial defensive coordinator Matt Patricia spoke with the media yesterday in a lengthly press conference, addressing his new role on the sidelines, working with players, and the team’s current three-game losing streak.

Last week, it was announced that defensive coordinator Sean Desai would be heading to the coaching box and Matt Patricia would be taking over play calling duties on the sidelines.

Yesterday, we heard from Patricia as he spoke with the media. The entire presser was a very good listen so I urge you to watch it in it’s entirety but the one clip that’s making it’s rounds on social media is in regards to Patricia’s relationship with cornerback Darius Slay.

To recap: Patricia was the head coach for the Lions in 2018 and 2019, which were also the last two years that Darius Slay played in Detroit. The two did not have a strong relationship and at times, it was contentious.

Their feud began when Patricia told Slay he shouldn’t be working out with Aqib Talib and Richard Sherman because they were elite corners and Slay was not. Slay then responded to Patricia’s comments, saying the following:

“He said I wasn’t an elite corner and that I’m not in their category. I was coming off an all-pro year, eight picks. That told me right there that he didn’t have no respect for me.”

Last February during Media Week leading up to the Super Bowl between the Chiefs and Eagles, Slay had the opportunity to speak on his relationship with Matt Patricia:

“As a man, me and him just don’t get along. He’s a smart coach, he knows his X’s and O’s, but the disrespect is not what I’m with.”

Fast forward to yesterday, Patricia had the opportunity to finally address what his relationship is like with the Eagles defensive back. “Man, I just gave him a big hug before I came in here.”

Matt Patricia on his relationship with Darius Slay

Matt Patricia with a great answer on his relationship with Slay

Says Slay has welcomed him with open arms from Day 1.

Says (speaking about himself) nobody is the perfect version of themselves at all times and he’s happy he’s had a chance to reconnect with Slay #Eagles pic.twitter.com/c4MoWxmF7w

— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) December 21, 2023

“It’s really been awesome for me to be back around Slay and really have an unbelievable relationship. He’s a great guy. He’s super kind, super funny, he’s very determined. He’s everything that he is. And obviously, I’m just so appreciative of him and our conversation that we had in the spring and just, you know, just helping me. Honestly, he’s helped me a lot, you know? Just kind of helping me get acclimated.”

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This is a perfect example of how people can change, and especially move on from past relationship issues. It’s a pretty big deal considering the fact that this was a question looming across the Eagles fanbase since Patricia was designated play-calling duties on defense.

As someone who’s always had my own opinion on Patricia, I will say he seems like a completely changed man.

Everyone from the Eagles that spoke with the media yesterday brought a whole different vibe than we’ve seen over the past few weeks. Patricia’s relationship with Slay is obviously great news but looking at the bigger picture, it’s great news for the locker room as well. Even Jalen Hurts seemed to be in good spirit when speaking with the media yesterday.

Jalen Hurts explains his ‘commitment’ quote after Eagles loss to Seattle >>

Vibes are changing. New York Giants are in town on Christmas and with three games left in the regular season, the Eagles have the perfect opportunity to win the NFC East and secure the No. 2 seed in the playoffs. It’s go time.

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