Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson has become the player fans love to hate in recent years. From the on-field chirping to the trash talking on social media, many have accused Gardner-Johnson of being all talk.
In Week 1 of the 2024 season, fans pounced on Gardner-Johnson after a missed tackle that led to a Packers touchdown. Even though the Eagles beat the Green Bay Packers 34-29, the Eagles’ secondary was under the telescope, especially CGJ who finished the game with five total tackles.
Gardner-Johnson received the same treatment in Week 2 when the Eagles were stunned by the Atlanta Falcons in the last minute of the game and lost 22-21. The no-call when Gardner-Johnson removed his helmet, ripping Ray-Ray McCloud’s mouth piece and the TD that was scored on him were all used as ammunition following the loss.
If you’re noticing the trend, then you’ll know the same thing happened in Week 3. In the Eagles-Saints game, Gardner-Johnson gave up a crucial TD that was scored by WR Chris Olave. In the end, CGJ racked up eight total tackles and a pass breakup in the birds’ 15-12 win.
Even with the Eagles’ 2-1 record, Gardner-Johnson is still on the receiving end of criticism when it comes to his play and the Eagles’ secondary. On the latest episode of “The 25/10 Show,” former Eagles LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson took the time to defend Gardner-Johnson’s performance.
“We need C.J.,” McCoy said. “He is what a Philadelphia Eagle player is on defense. He’s that. We haven’t had no one like him since Brian Dawkins with that dog attitude.”
