The Lions dominated the Bears in a game that cemented Detroit as the NFC’s best team. On the other hand, the Eagles lost in large part due to one despised player.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson has a well-earned reputation as one of the NFL’s least likable players. He routinely sacrifices team success for instinctive moments of exclamation, and he was appropriately ejected after his latest foolish mishaps. Philadelphia lost and cemented Detroit as the No. 1 seed, largely due to these mistakes.
He was given two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, leading to the ejection. Ultimately, the Lions were be better off without him and perhaps the Eagles are too.
Former Lions CB C.J. Gardner-Johnson Ejected After Foolish Penalties in Week 16
Gardner-Johnson has long been known as one of the league’s dirtiest players, talking a big game with little production to back it up. Few fans think he’s actually a valuable asset, yet he’s a starting corner nonetheless.
So far this season, he’s surrendered a 61.8% completion percentage and 93.5 passer rating when targeted in coverage. Those are solid numbers, but the issues he causes on the field are more significant in the big picture.
While Gardner-Johnson is under contract for another year before Philadelphia has the option to get out, it’s clear he’s not someone who fits with the organization’s culture. Solid play only takes you so far, and Gardner-Johnson’s terrible reputation speaks for itself.
This is not a player who cares about team success based on his actions. Instead, it looks like the 27-year-old former fourth-round pick only cares about himself, so why would the Eagles want him on the roster? This might be a harsh characterization, though, at some point, a player’s actions speak louder than his words do.
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter. The Lions won in dominant fashion and control their destiny in the race for the No. 1 seed in the NFC. However, if this team is going to win the Super Bowl, there’s no room for selfishness.
Gardner-Johnson is known for his antics and was appropriately let go. He’s the Eagles’ problem now, which is great news for Lions fans focused on winning a Super Bowl.
