Darius Slay is all smiles after giving up the game-winning touchdown to Drake London in Falcons 22-21 upset win over the Eagles

You can cut it up any way you’d like, but the optics of Darius Slay smiling and giving props to Drake London after surrendering what turned out to be the game-winning touchdown in the Atlanta Falcons 22-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football was disgusting behavior and a really bad look for the veteran cornerback.

Mix in the fact that the game was a primetime, nationally televised game on Monday Night Football in Week 2 of the NFL season and Darius Slay’s reaction was downright embarrassing.

With Jason Kelce in the broadcast booth and an entire pregame ceremony that included Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles and Eagles legend Fletcher Cox, Darius Slay showed everyone that he lacks self-awareness and accountability – literally the opposite reaction from someone who’s supposed to be a veteran leader on an otherwise young, inexperienced defensive unit.

The moment I watched the video following the stunning conclusion of Monday Night Football where the Eagles practically gave Kirk Cousins and the Atlanta Falcons the game on a silver platter, I knew damn sure that Slay was going to hit social media and issue an apology after. Like clockwork, that’s exactly what happened – but not a single Eagles fan cared at that point.

Slay issued an apology after telling Drake London he ran a good route on the game-winning touchdown drive. London scored with Slay in coverage…or while he was supposed to be coverage.

KIRK FINDS DRAKE LONDON IN THE END ZONE WITH LESS THAN A MINUTE LEFT 😱

FALCONS TAKE A ONE-POINT LEAD 🔥 pic.twitter.com/47hDFw2RO1

— ESPN (@espn) September 17, 2024

Darius Slay cheesing with Drake London

"Good route. Good route."

Darius Slay showed love to Drake London after he beat him on the route to give the Falcons the win 😤 pic.twitter.com/i7GBFihJ4g

— ESPN (@espn) September 17, 2024

Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Darius Slay acknowledged that Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London had got him good as London slipped past Slay and broke to his right for a touchdown catch, setting up Younghoe Koo’s game-winning extra-point field goal attempt.

Which, to the casual eye, this whole thing may not mean anything. But in Philadelphia however, Slay is getting ripped up for this. Hence the cringe apology tweet he sent out later in the night.

That’s on me Philly!! I owe yall one. DAMN!!!!!

— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) September 17, 2024

No doubt that Darius Slay is still a great outside cornerback but he had a horrible game last night. Slay was targeted 5 times in the loss to the Falcons. He allowed 5 catches for 48 yards and the touchdown to Drake London, posting a miserable 118.8 rating when targeted.

You have to be better or at the very least, don’t go congratulate the guy who just won the game for the opposing team on the final drive of the game because you got burnt on the route.

From there, Slay’s apologies or taking accountability means nothing, obviously and Eagles fans, who look at you like a veteran, get frustrated and cast doubt over your leadership.

I do put most of the blame on the defensive line who generated essentially zero pass rush in this game. There’s only so much and so long that players in the secondary can hold up when Kirk Cousins has all the time in the world to throw the ball. Not to mention how much they were getting gashed in the run-game.

It’s safe to say Vic Fangio is going to have his work cut out for him this week to correct these mistakes and prepare for a red-hot New Orleans Saints offense.

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