The Philadelphia Eagles have caught some NFL fans and experts by surprise with their 5-0 start. The Birds have been one of the best teams in the league on both sides of the ball through five weeks.
Jalen Hurts has been leading the offense with 1,359 yards through the air and 266 more on the ground. He’s thrown for four touchdowns and ran for six, including two in Sunday’s win in Arizona.
It’s been a team effort on the defensive side of the things. Six players have recorded at least one sack and four have interceptions on their stat sheets. Newcomer James Bradberry and veteran Darius Slay are tied for the team lead with two interceptions each.
Slay joined the Audacy Original Podcast “The Crew” and talked about Hurts’ play as well as how he feels at home in Philadelphia.
“We ain’t surprised by Jalen ‘cause when he first came in as a rookie you saw the mindset that he always competed at a high level,” Slay said (4:54 in player above). “Him always being the underdog. Coming in he always had to sit behind. He had to sit behind Wentz. He lost his spot at Alabama and had to transfer. He had to overcome a lot of situations so he’s got a big chip on his shoulder. He comes out there and executes. He’s been working hard, for sure.”
Hurts’ hard work has paid off. He’s skyrocketed up the MVP charts and is now among the likes of Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, and Lamar Jackson. Likewise, the Eagles’ odds to win the Super Bowl have increased dramatically as well. They have the best odds in the NFC, slightly ahead of Tampa Bay, and are only behind Buffalo and Kansas City overall.
Slay has enjoyed watching Hurts’ growth and he loves it in Philadelphia as well.
“They love me in Philly for some reason,” Slay laughed. “I’m enjoying it, man. I’ve been embracing the city and the city’s embracing me, showing me a good time, experiencing a lot of things. I’m enjoying it. I love it. I appreciate Philly, for sure, believing in me, trusting in me to come over here and execute my job at a high level. I’m loving it right now.”
The Eagles traded for Slay in March 2020. He only had one interception that season, coming in Week 16 against the Cowboys. He’s found his footing since then, though, with three interceptions and two fumble recoveries last season en route to his fourth Pro Bowl selection.
Slay has continued that into 2022 with two interceptions, both on Monday Night Football against the Vikings to earn NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
The Eagles host the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football this week. Dallas week is always a big one in Philadelphia and this one will have extra meaning as the Birds look to remain undefeated.
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