In a lighthearted exchange of banter, Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay playfully taunted wide receiver A.J. Brown ahead of the Washington Commanders faceoff in Week 4. Little did Slay know, his words would fuel Brown's fire in an exhilarating showdown at Lincoln Financial Field that ended in a 34-31 overtime victory for the Eagles.
During an episode of his popular podcast, "Big Play Slay," Slay couldn't resist poking fun at Brown's touchdown drought. He proudly proclaimed, “My boy A.J. finally sees the end zone," Slay said on his Big Play Slay podcast. "I been on his behind every day telling him ‘I’m one up on you because I got in the end zone before him, I got more touchdowns than him in three games.' I was just bragging in his face. I’m trying to tell y’all he told me this week, ‘Slay you gonna see me in the end zone a lot this week.' So I'm saying I need to see it now because you score touchdowns.”
Slay had already etched his name into the Eagles' history books during their season opener against the New England Patriots. Intercepting a pass from quarterback Mac Jones, Slay showcased his exceptional skills, sprinting 70 yards to secure the team's first touchdown of the season. With this impressive play, he set the tone for what would become an unforgettable year for both him and his team.
In contrast, Brown had yet to find the end zone in the first three weeks of the season, despite delivering strong performances. However, the game against the Commanders proved to be a turning point for the talented receiver. Brown shone brightly, hauling in nine passes out of 13 targets for an astonishing 175 yards and two touchdowns. With this exceptional performance, he not only surpassed Slay's touchdown count for the season but also showcased his undeniable potential as a game-changer.
Last season, Brown emerged as a vital asset for the Eagles in his debut year. Catching an impressive 11 touchdowns, he led the team's receiving corps, transforming 88 catches into a staggering 1,496 receiving yards. His ability to find the end zone became a trademark of his play style, earning him the admiration of fans and teammates alike.
On the other hand, Slay has established himself as a defensive force during his tenure with the Eagles. Over four seasons, he has recorded four defensive touchdowns, with three of them coming in the 2021 campaign. His knack for creating game-changing plays has made him an integral part of the Eagles' defensive strategy and a constant threat to opposing offenses.
As the Eagles gear up for their next challenge, a clash against the Los Angeles Rams, they have their sights set on maintaining their flawless record. With a perfect 4-0 start to the season, the team is determined to continue their winning streak. The showdown at SoFi Stadium promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Slay and Brown's rivalry adding an extra layer of excitement.
