We’ve previously talked about C.J. Gardner-Johnson is the glue that holds the Eagles’ defense together, and on Wednesday, his athleticism allowed the team to end their day on a high note.
Tasked with hitting a deep jump shot to get his teammates out of a meeting, Gardner-Johnson swished the shot, and swagger ensued as the players celebrated.
.@CGJXXIII hits the shot to cancel team meeting 😱🏀 pic.twitter.com/eQ5J7E17YZ
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) July 31, 2024
Gardner-Johnson departed Philadelphia for Detroit last spring after the team could not agree to a contract that eventually went to James Bradberry. Without Gardner-Johnson’s swagger and big-play ability, the Eagles’ defense regressed tremendously in 2023.
With a pec injury, Gardner-Johnson missed most of the Lions’ run to the playoffs and couldn’t be as productive in Detroit’s system.
Meanwhile, an Eagles defense that generated 70 sacks in 2022—the third-most in NFL history—failed to generate pressure, as Philadelphia edge rushers had 38 sacks in 2023. With Gardner-Johson gone, the Eagles’ defense allowed 27 plays of 25 yards or more in the last ten games—the seventh-most in the league, according to Reuben Frank.
Philadelphia GM Howie Roseman knows when he’s wrong and addressed the situation, re-signing Gardner-Johnson to a three-year deal with a max value of $33 million.
Gardner-Johnson is a ballhawk and big-play defender. The versatile defender has 12 interceptions in 58 career games, four sacks, 39 pass deflections, 20 tackles for loss, and 14 quarterback hits.
Gardner-Johnson can play safety or slot corner, which gives new Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio flexibility with his lineups. In 2024, look for Philadelphia’s play-caller to employ Gardner-Johnson more as a blitzer and pass rusher.
