Detroit Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson is no stranger to some good old-fashioned trash talk.
He has lived up to his reputation once again as he took a clear shot at Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Speaking about the talented Bucs roster, Gardner-Johnson made sure to slight the resurgent Mayfield: “This group probably is one of the better groups we done faced all year. If you give that Tampa group a good quarterback, that’s a great group,” he said.
CJ Gardner-Johnson and Baker Mayfield exchanged jabs. 👀🗣 https://t.co/44vwVcS6w1 pic.twitter.com/ObR1WedeWr
— theScore (@theScore) January 17, 2024
We all know how fiery Mayfield can be both on and off the field … That chippiness is usually a great weapon to have, however there are times when opponents are clearly just trying to take you off your game.
Credit to Mayfield for not taking publicly taking the bait – while also throwing a shot of his own at Gardner-Johnson for not even knowing who’s playing.
“I mean, I don’t think he’s really watched film because he mentioned Russell Gage,” Mayfield said. “You know, we love Russell, but he hasn’t played a snap this year for us.”
“He must be going off the preseason stuff the media was talking about, but he didn’t play our first game, so I’m excited to see him. I think he’s a really good player.”
Full quote from Baker Mayfield on Gardner Johnson’s comments that the #Bucs would be a good group with good QB.
“I mean, I don't think he's really watched film because he mentioned Russell Gage. You know, we love Russell, but he hasn’t played a snap this year for us. He must be… pic.twitter.com/MYh9SUSaZH
— JC Allen (@JCAllenNFL) January 17, 2024
The “old Baker” may have took himself down a counter-productive rabbit hole after such an insulting comment.
However, the new and improved Baker let it roll right off his shoulder.
Having said that, you know damn well he will use it for motivation come Sunday…
Baked Mayfield’s best plays from the victory over the Eagles. I will forever struggle to understand Cleveland’s willingness to so quickly move on from Baker. Doubted so many times along the way, he belongs in the league as a franchise Quarterback. pic.twitter.com/MfhKsukyJ6
— Max McDulin (@maxmcdulin) January 16, 2024
Gardner-Johnson may not respect Mayfield – But Lions head coach Dan Campbell sure as hell does.
Speaking glowingly of Mayfield, MCDC said “there’s no wonder why people rally around him and follow him.”
A REALLY cool story from Lions coach Dan Campbell on why he’s such a fan of Baker Mayfield.
“There’s no wonder why people rally around him and follow him.” pic.twitter.com/BtQ5og5AyF
— The REF (@KREFsports) January 18, 2024
Fresh off his brilliant performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild card round, Mayfield and the Bucs will look to shock the world as they take on the heavily-favored Lions on the road in Detroit.
Kickoff is set for 3pm EST on Sunday.
"@CGtwelve_ down there somewhere." – @bakermayfield @NFLFilms | @insidetheNFL pic.twitter.com/Pwclu1gnqR
— NFL (@NFL) January 16, 2024
Do you give Tampa any chance to win the game?
Will the Lions prove to be just too much for Mayfield and the Bucs to handle?
Should Gardner-Johnson have just kept his mouth shut? … Or do you like the bravado???