Darius Slay talks surviving Matthew Stafford’s late surge, Eagles avoid disaster thanks to Jalen Carter

Darius Slay had a front-row seat to an intense fourth-quarter showdown on Sunday, and it’s safe to say he didn’t love every second of it.

The Eagles cornerback went from a friendly reunion with his old Lions teammate Matthew Stafford to scrambling to keep the Rams’ late-game surge in check. The Eagles ultimately pulled out a 28-22 Divisional Round win, but Stafford made it far too close for comfort.

Matthew Stafford vs. Darius Slay: The Final Drives

“It was fun as hell until he started trying me the last two drives,” Slay admitted postgame with the Inky, never one to shy away from the truth. “Like god damn, Staff. Like, damn. Calm the f–k down. Like, s–t. I know you’ve been slinging this motherf—-r. Sling that motherf—-r somewhere else.”

Stafford wasn’t having it.

Trailing 28-15, the Rams’ veteran QB went into full attack mode, targeting Slay six times in the final two drives. He connected on five of those attempts for 93 yards, including an absurd 37-yard sideline catch by Puka Nacua that left Slay visibly frustrated.

For a brief moment, it felt like Stafford might actually pull off the comeback.

Hey Fangio, Why the Prevent Defense?

Stafford’s late-game success had as much to do with the Eagles’ defensive strategy as his arm. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio inexplicably dialed up a prevent defense, giving Stafford and the Rams just enough space to get comfortable.

For a fanbase that lives for heart-pounding moments, this was a bit much.

The prevent defense is supposed to stop big plays, but it often feels more like an open invitation to let opposing QBs pad their stats. Stafford took full advantage, making the Eagles sweat in a game that should have been iced much earlier.

Jalen Carter: The Closer

When all seemed lost, Jalen Carter reminded everyone why he’s already one of the NFL’s best defensive linemen.

With the Rams driving deep into Eagles territory and just over a minute left, Carter delivered the play of the game—a clutch third-down sack that stalled the Rams’ momentum.

On the next play, he blew past his blocker and forced Stafford into an errant throw, sealing the Eagles’ ticket to the NFC Championship.

Carter’s stat line was ridiculous: six pressures, two sacks, a forced fumble, and countless headaches for the Rams’ offensive line. He was the definition of a game-changer, proving once again that this Eagles defense thrives under pressure.

Jalen Carter’s Legacy Game: The Eagles’ savior was EVERYWHERE against the Rams on Sunday

NFC Championship Awaits…

The Eagles’ “bend, not break” defense has been a roller coaster all season, and Sunday was no exception. While Fangio’s prevent approach left fans holding their breath, the unit came through when it mattered most—thanks in large part to Carter’s heroics.

Now, the Eagles turn their attention to a familiar foe, the Washington Commanders, in the NFC Championship. With Jalen Hurts’ confident “It comes through Philly” mantra setting the tone, the Eagles are ready to defend their turf and take one step closer to another Super Bowl appearance.

Let’s just hope they don’t rely on the prevent defense to get there—this city’s collective blood pressure can’t handle another Stafford-like scare.

Darius Slay proud of Eagles’ defensive effort vs. Rams in Divisional Round | SNF | NFL on NBC

Join The Chase