Wide Receiver Darius Slayton
August 11, 2021
Q: Hey Darius, if I think back to last season the first game on Monday night when you caught the touchdown pass, there were a lot of people in the organization saying that was really the first time that they felt the stadium being empty, the silence. So with that said, tonight, even though it’s a practice, are you anxious or eager to kind of hear that roar if you catch a pass even if it’s in individuals or even team?
A: Yeah, for sure. I think we’re all kind of looking forward to getting back out there and having the fans back. Just the energy they bring, the presence they bring is definitely something I’m looking forward to.
Q: From your experience when you and (Quarterback) Daniel (Jones) were building your chemistry and connection as teammates and as quarterback and receiver, what things do you think helped the most in finding a connection? Like he knows where you’re going to be, he can anticipate you and you can anticipate him. What were the best ways to establish that and when do you think that kind of clicked for you guys?
A: I think some of it is just kind of natural. Everybody thinks differently. I think in some regards of the game we just naturally kind of think of certain situations similarly and to go along with that, just communication. Obviously, we practice a whole lot, so for as many times in the game as it looks perfect, there’s plenty of times in practice where it doesn’t. It’s just a matter of getting on the same page, seeing what he likes and just wanting to get on the same page.
Q: Darius, are you better than you were last year and the year before? And if so, how are you better? What attributes do you have that you think you’ve taken to another level?
A: I definitely feel like I got better in this offseason. I feel like one of my big focuses this offseason was my footwork, being clean in and out of breaks. I definitely think my breaks have improved and just all around playing the game, playing fast. I like to say playing fast, but not in a hurry, so you know playing a million miles an hour, but at the same time it’s like your mind is moving in slow motion. You let the game come to you, take what they give you. I feel like that’s another area that I’ve just grown in.
Q: Darius, talk about going against a guy like (Cornerback) Adoree’ Jackson every day in practice and do you feel that the DBs are getting a little better of the play of the wide receivers early in this camp?
A: I mean, Adoree’s been a great addition to our team. It’s a blast to go against him every day. He’s a fast guy, quick guy. A good change-up from somebody like Brad (Cornerback James Bradberry), who kind of has a different style. So it’s good to be able to see those two different styles and corners, but both are high-quality players.
Q: (Head) Coach (Joe Judge) always talks about how every year it’s a new team. That being said, the offense, what’s carrying over from the offense and what do you feel the offense still needs to do to build up moving forward? Specifically, to the passing game, what was missing last year that you think is going to be there this year?
A: I think probably the biggest thing with the offense is just the fact that all of us are coming back and having a second year with the same system and not trying to come in and learn everything, as well as plays. So I think just having familiarity with the guys that were here last year and kind of having a leg up coming into camp, going into the season will just help in itself a lot because obviously things in football happen fast. You’ve got to communicate fast, so the less thinking you’re doing, the better off you are.
Q: Hey Darius, quick question that’s probably been asked a couple of times already. Since (Wide Receiver) Kenny (Golladay) signed and (Wide Receiver) Kadarius (Toney) was drafted, do you kind of feel like you’re flying under the radar with this team in the wide receiver corps?
A: I don’t really know if I would say flying under the radar per se. I just know obviously, we went and got Kenny because he’s a good player. Went and drafted Kadarius because he’s a good player. I think you can never have too many good players on one team. I’m happy they’re here and looking to playing alongside them this season.
Q: Are you thinking, ‘I’m still a starter, I’m just as good as anybody?’
A: I mean, it really wouldn’t matter who you’re talking about in the NFL. I feel like I’m a really good football player regardless of who you’re discussing. So I just think that’s a natural thing that everybody should feel about themselves, but ultimately it doesn’t really affect too much wins and losses on game day.
