But Eagles cornerback Darius Slay made up for that with a big highlight in the first quarter, as he picked off Patriots quarterback Mac Jones after a tipped ball floated in the air and returned it 70 yards to the house for Philly’s first touchdown of the season. The Eagles built a 10-0 lead as a result.
MAJOR SLAY@bigplay24slay | #PHIvsNE | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/7ySEudBDdH
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 10, 2023
The Eagles put together a 14-play, 61-yard drive to open up the game, but managed just a field goal after getting stopped in the red zone. But the defense responded with Slay’s interception return and then a forced fumble on New England’s next offensive
This allowed Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith to quickly add to the lead with a diving five-yard touchdown catch in the end zone. Philly scored two touchdowns within a six-play span and took a 16-0 lead. Kicker Jake Elliott missed the extra point after Smith’s touchdown.
Slay, who finished with a league-leading eight interceptions and 26 passes defended with the Lions in 2017, has continued to live up to his “Big Play Slay” nickname since then. He led the league in interception return yards (116) and pick-sixes (two) in 2021 before adding three more picks to his career total this past season.
The Eagles will look to keep things rolling against the Pats for the rest of Sunday’s opener.
Zach Dimmit:
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