The defense of the Philadelphia Eagles was one of the best in the NFL last season. They rushed the passer with ferocity, which was the foundation of a lot of their success. Four players recorded double-digit sacks, which was an NFL record and totaled 70 as a team. That fell just short of the all-time record held by the Chicago Bears with 72 in 1984.

A contributing factor to the front seven being able to get after the quarterback with such regularity was the performance of the defensive backfield. Cornerback Darius Slay led what was a dominant secondary as well, as he and James Bradberry were arguably the best cornerback tandem in the NFL.

Back for another season, the Eagles are counting on even more production from that duo. Slay, who was acquired from the Detroit Lions in 2020, has helped set the tone and change the culture defensively over the last three seasons.

It looked like his tenure with the Eagles was going to come to an end this offseason, as it was reported that he would be cut. But, the two sides were able to come together and work out a restructured deal to keep Slay in the City of Brotherly Love.

He has played at a high level for the Eagles, making the Pro Bowl the last two years. They certainly hope that he can keep up that level of production as the franchise has Super Bowl aspirations once again.

Slay will have some personal motivation as well. He has a chance to move into the top 10 for pass defenses if he can record 19 this season. With 133 in his career, he would surpass Dre Bly, who had 151 in his career with the St. Louis Rams, Lions, Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers.

That is a number that Slay has reached only once previously in his career. It occurred in 2017 with the Lions when he recorded a league-high 26 passes defended. That season was the first Pro Bowl nomination of his career and, to this date, the only All-Pro First Team nod he has received as well.