Eagles S CJ Gardner-Johnson throws shade on his former team after Week 18 victory
Eagles S CJ Gardner-Johnson is one of the many vocal leaders on Jonathan Gannon’s defense.
After missing four games with a lacerated kidney, CGJ was back on the field in Week 18, helping the Eagles earn the W and clinch the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoff picture. He had a clear impact in his first game back, racking up seven combined tackles, including one tackle for loss.
Following the win, Gardner-Johnson was asked about his first year in Philadelphia and how it compares to his time in New Orleans.
“It’s been better than expected,” CGJ told reporters. “I get treated better than I was in New Orleans. I ain’t saying nothing bad. You play better ball when you around better guys, around better athletes.”
The Eagles safety isn’t trying to throw shade on his former team here, but that’s essentially what he’s doing.
He’s enjoyed his best season as a pro in 2022. CGJ recorded a career-high 67 tackles while tying the league-lead in interceptions with six, despite missing four games.
Although he’s spent the majority of this season at the safety position, he transitioned to the nickel in Week 18 – the position he played in New Orleans. He’s a swiss army knife for Gannon. With Avonte Maddox’s health status still in question entering the postseason, the defense will continue to rely on Gardner-Johnson to play a hybrid safety/nickel role.
Read More: Recap: Eagles clinch No. 1 seed and first round bye with 22-16 win over the New York Giants in Week 18
