Lions Defensive Back C.J. Gardner-Johnson: Bucs Have A Dangerous Passing Attack If They Had A Quarterback
January 17th, 2024
Not a big Baker Mayfield fan.
Once a member of the slimy Saints, always a member of the slimy Saints.
There is something about the liquor in New Orleans that messes with people’s brains, Joe is convinced of it.
Detroit defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson seems to be a big fan of Bucs receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Big fan. In fact, Gardner-Johnson told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free-Press that the Bucs receivers may be the best the Lions face this year.
But Evans and Godwin won’t reach their skillset level they demonstrated when Tom Brady played for the Bucs when the Bucs face the Lions Sunday in the divisional round of the playoffs. Why? Gardner-Johnson said the Bucs are missing a quarterback.
The Bucs have one of the best receiving tandems in the NFL in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, who Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson compared last week to the Rams duo of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, while taking a shot at Mayfield.
“This group probably is one of the better groups we done faced all year, besides that Tampa group,” Gardner-Johnson said. “If you give that Tampa group a good quarterback, that’s a great group. Evans, Godwin, (Russell) Gage, that’s a great group. I played against them for real.”
Ruh-roh.
Of course, Gardner-Johnson is correct in one respect. Gardner-Johnson played against the Bucs eight times, seven with the slimy Saints and once with Detroit earlier this season. Gardner-Johnson has only lost once to the Bucs and that glorious loss came in the 2020 division round of the playoffs.
Gardner-Johnson had two picks in 2021 against the Bucs and Tom Brady, one pick in each of the two games the teams played against each other. Overall in those eight games, Gardner-Johnson has 29 tackles.
Wonder if Mayfield has another game like he did Monday night if that will finally impress Gardner-Johnson?
(Hat tip: “Hunter.”)
January 17th, 2024 at 9:07 am
Hope Evans burns their secondary for 2 touchdowns and Godwin gets two as well
January 17th, 2024 at 9:07 am
Is he wrong? How good would Evans and Godwin be with Josh Allen, or Mahomes, or Burrow? Sure, it’s bulletin board material. Let’s see if it fuels Baker.
DET is kinda like NO North. Several ex-Saints on that squad, including HC. As much as DET is a feel-good story because of their terrible history, I would shed no tears seeing those ex-Saints take a playoff beating from our Bucs.
January 17th, 2024 at 9:10 am
If comments by an average CB is what it takes to fire you up, you’re already a loser.
It’s the W. That’s the motivator.
January 17th, 2024 at 9:11 am
Joe, statistically, how many playoff games were played better by a Buc QB than Baker played against Philly?
Stats are for losers. But David needs them. So please tell us.
January 17th, 2024 at 9:13 am
Fuel for the fire! Keep looking past this game Detroit and you will be watching the rest of the season from your couch!
January 17th, 2024 at 9:13 am
Baker was terribly inaccurate in the Detroit game, again and again he missed long throws,and also had some batted passes. And Baker had a bad turnover inside the 10 yard line
So I get what he is saying.
BUT…… If Playoff Baker shows up like he did against Philly, then Detroit’s suspect secondary will get torched.
So Joe like you said about Jameis, Good Jameis, Bad Jameis, well will we have Good Baker or Bad Baker on Sunday at 3pm?????
OK Baker, show up and ball out, and the Bucs will be in the NFC TITLE Game.
We will see what happens, but if Baker plays like he did against Philly, they will win in Detroit.
January 17th, 2024 at 9:13 am
I predict that Dave Canales will go back to wasting our first and second downs running between the tackles and Baker Mayfield sorry as only scoring 14 points against the Lions
January 17th, 2024 at 9:14 am
My sentiments also. I don’t know why Mayfield can’t be consistent. He has his occasional really good game. 4 this season. But then a bunch of below average and really bad games. Dr. Jekle and Mr. Hyde. You have to string a bunch together in the playoffs. Something he hasn’t done this season, or any season in his career. Like Winston he has the talent but not the ……………
January 17th, 2024 at 9:15 am
It will depend on the Bucs continued ability to use Palmer, Moore & Cade Otton. The Lions will most likely try and take Evans out of the game. I like our chances if the team comes to play like they did against the Eagles.
January 17th, 2024 at 9:16 am
Isn’t he tho low life trash who took Godwin out in 2021
January 17th, 2024 at 9:18 am
We’ll see if midfield shows up against a motivated Detroit team versus a Philly team that has been imploding. He’ll likely fold like a lawn chair the second the defense isn’t able to keep the Lions off the scoreboard.
January 17th, 2024 at 9:18 am
Ha, awesome. Bulliten board material playing right into Bakers big chip on his shoulder. Baker doez better the second time around. See Packers and Eagles.
January 17th, 2024 at 9:19 am
All gets back to play calling. Be agressive=win “bowels ball” = loss.
January 17th, 2024 at 9:23 am
Marky mark we played Packers once. But the second time we played panthers and saints he was bad and that was recent. That’s better?
January 17th, 2024 at 9:24 am
I guess boy genius doesn’t realize Gage hasn’t played all year.
January 17th, 2024 at 9:25 am
First off all QBs are inconsistent. Purdy had a 3-4 game slide. Second, Baker was consistent in years 1-3. He made a poor choice to not get the surgery right away in season 4. Last year he was injured also and on a lousy Panthers team. He played well under Mcvey in LA. Look at Watson and how little he has played since the Browns dumped Baker for him. Bakef when healthy is consistent. He had a great season.
January 17th, 2024 at 9:26 am
Think Canales learned a valuable lesson against Philly. Think he will open the play book and use the pass to setup the run. Think that Moore, Otton and Palmer will get a lot of targets while Evan’s and Godwin keep the CB and Safeties tied up. Just hope the offensive line can hold up.
On the defensive side, I expect Bowles to try to overload the front with 5 or 6 rushers and man coverage. The key is to get to Goff.
January 17th, 2024 at 9:27 am
Baker played Packers last year as a Ram and the year before as a Brown. Same Packer Head coach.
January 17th, 2024 at 9:36 am
Go Bucs, lets steamroll the Lions.
January 17th, 2024 at 9:37 am
Calling out a QB before you face him in the playoffs isn’t smart. Especially when you call him “not good” indirectly. CJ might want to think before he speaks next time. He must not think Goff is good either:
Goff 31 TD 12 INT
Mayfield 31 TD 10 INT
January 17th, 2024 at 9:37 am
The Bucs have found a gem in Baker Mayfield. I have had my doubts about him due to lack of accuracy and poor choice of throwing deep instead of checking down to move the chains. His accuracy against Philly was off the charts as was his ability to pick the right target. The NFC quarterbacks left in the playoffs are no better than Mayfield when he plays the way he did against Philly. Let’s go Bucs beat Detroit.
January 17th, 2024 at 9:41 am
He’s right.
January 17th, 2024 at 9:45 am
If Baker and Canales see what happened to Dak, and counteract it, they have a chance.
It will not take a great QB to do it.
Passes must be short and quick, before the Lions secondary switches from zone play.
Dak got destroyed because he kept throwing into a secondary that changed already.
January 17th, 2024 at 9:46 am
More fuel to light Mayfield fire. Hope Mayfield step it up Sunday and make Johnson eat those words Another thing, even if the Bucs are done after the Lions game, it’s starting to look like Bowles knew what he was doing with bringing in Canales and Mayfield although Mayfield can be a little more consistent he’s doing a decent job at QB The young defensive players Bowles brought in are also starting to look pretty good. Just want to see if all flows into next season
January 17th, 2024 at 9:47 am
Hope Baker tagets him and knocks his ego down a tad.
January 17th, 2024 at 10:05 am
I have to root against the Bucs. Bucs media sports media in general are forcing me to root for LIONS. BRADY I think well he did love Bucs organization. I dont think he wants anything to do with BUCS ANYMORE. BRUCE ARIANS speaking on Brady and Baker. You Bucs fan ruined a fun 3 years. MEDIA comparing 45 yearold BRADY divorced depressed lost 27 still put up 4600 and 25 tds to a 28 year old number 1 draft pick.. Brady didnt play the last 3 qts against the falcons. PACKERS WON A PLAYOFF GAME nobody says nothing about Aaron Rodgers leaving and Packers getting better. Nope the media uses Brady name for clicks because everyone has an opinion on him. FOR 3 years I watched everygame I bought Bucs gear now I am rooting for lions. WITH PEACE AND LOVE
January 17th, 2024 at 10:05 am
They are a physical team and Jared Goff seems to have Bowles number. Goff lights up our defense. If we get pressure on Goff like we did hurts maybe we get the same results. Also they got some freaky fast receivers and a TE who is making a name for himself as a rook. This will be a tough one but would love to see them take a beating. Eagles beat us in reg season we beat them in post. Lions beat us in reg season hopefully we beat them in post. San Fran beat us in reg season hopefully we beat them post lol get one could hope
January 17th, 2024 at 10:06 am
lol @ the Gage reference. Guy obviously hasn’t been paying attention this year
January 17th, 2024 at 10:13 am
People can talk crap about Baker and the BUCS but it is mid January and Baker and the BUCS are still in all of their mouths and they can’t stop that.
January 17th, 2024 at 10:13 am
I want to see what Bowles cooks up on defense, Goff gets the ball out fast over the middle, which Philly failed to do.
January 17th, 2024 at 10:17 am
I cant wait to beat this scum bag team….I guarantee they will try to gake cheap shots at us thats how they play….their fans are trash too
January 17th, 2024 at 10:20 am
ModHairKen Says:
January 17th, 2024 at 9:11 am
Joe, statistically, how many playoff games were played better by a Buc QB than Baker played against Philly?
Stats are for losers. But David needs them. So please tell us.
Although not better Brady threw for 271 and 2 TD’s against Philly in 2021 Wild Card Round.
Had Mayfield been the Rams QB and not Stafford the Bucs would have cruised to the Championship Round and possibly a back to back Super Bowl.
January 17th, 2024 at 10:27 am
Last season 2022 version of Brady = losing record
Ok lets say it again last year Brady losing record.
Baker winning record 2023
2023 Baker > 2022 Brady
Yeah Brady is the GOAT, but 2022 a loser on the field
Yes I am thankful for what he did, winning the Super Bowl in Feb 2021
BUT…….. BRADY LOSING RECORD in 2022
January 17th, 2024 at 10:29 am
Keep talkin, dumby.
January 17th, 2024 at 10:30 am
Marky mark I just want someone to show me a stretch where Mayfield was consistently playing well. I will admit I think the coaching staffs play calling has had some negative impact on what Mayfield has been able to produce. I think left which was terrible last year for Brady also. Like I posted earlier. If Mayfield could play more consistent ide be all in. But he hasn’t so I’m not.
January 17th, 2024 at 10:34 am
Joe, this article is a lay up for David.
January 17th, 2024 at 10:34 am
I really don’t know, but is there another QB that has been ranked in the 10 ten that the teams offensive run game was 32nd, dead last in the league?
January 17th, 2024 at 10:40 am
Meant to type Top Ten….. duh
January 17th, 2024 at 10:47 am
Smashsquatch Says:
January 17th, 2024 at 9:37 am
Calling out a QB before you face him in the playoffs isn’t smart. Especially when you call him “not good” indirectly. CJ might want to think before he speaks next time. He must not think Goff is good either:
Goff 31 TD 12 INT
Mayfield 31 TD 10 INT
Football being the ultimate team sport you have to factor in the Lions 27 to 8 rushing TD edge. some QB’s don’t have to throw from the 5 to get it in the endzone. Mayfield stats have benefitted from a piss poor running game.
January 17th, 2024 at 10:47 am
The Lions have 1 good season and think they did something
January 17th, 2024 at 10:51 am
D Cone says….
Mayfield stats have benefitted from a piss poor running game.
……………………………………………………………………….
Are you kidding me….. Having a good run game Helps a passing game…. just the opposite of what you said.
January 17th, 2024 at 10:53 am
Surprised Campbell isn’t all over him for that? Campbell’s philosophy is do your talking on the field.
January 17th, 2024 at 10:58 am
@Bradybuffoon,
GO FRACK YOURSELF creep….
January 17th, 2024 at 10:58 am
LMAO. I do not believe Baker Mayfield needs any motivation. Bulletin Board material. Mayfield was always going to play balls to the wall. For all his flaws motivation and effort have NEVER been one of them.
Perhaps it might motivate ME13 and CG to make Baker look good? Doubt that as well since these guys are consummate pros.
Where it MIGHT offer a teeny boost is with the youthful OL. I think Wirfs will do his best to lead this group to keep Baker clean and give him a chance to embarrass CJGJ!!
This has been great for me. It’s easy to hate Philly and N.O….it’s easy to root against Division Rivals but let’s face it of all the teams and fan bases that have suffered the Lions are up there. Before this story I WAS thinking…well if we have to lose better to Detroit than any other team…but now I’m thinking nah…eff them. LMAO Bulletin board material for players? Maybe? Bulletin board material for fans you betcha!
January 17th, 2024 at 10:58 am
I don’t think the Lions will overlook the Bucs. Too many ex-Saints on that squad, and NO never overlooks us. They’re always hungry to embarrass the Bucs. I hope B & B have something for them.
January 17th, 2024 at 11:05 am
Took an entire day for Tb bolts to come out from under his bed. Got totally disgraced Monday night now back to start talking Sh!t again.
January 17th, 2024 at 11:12 am
Guess we’ll see. Both teams are poking each other only we’re the bear. Go Bucs.
January 17th, 2024 at 11:17 am
Really dumb thing for Gardner-Johnson to say. Looking at the stats in 2023 for both Evans and Godwin each had pretty typical seasons much like under Brady. In fact, Evans has an AllPro season and came close to leading the league in TD passes for a wide receiver.
Most DB’s are only as good as their defensive lines. QB pressure makes a lot of DB’s look better than they are. Detroit has a very good defensive line. Got that Gard-John?
January 17th, 2024 at 11:18 am
@ August
“If Playoff Baker shows up like he did against Philly, then Detroit’s suspect secondary will get torched.”
I agree.
Baker struggled big time the last game against Detroit. One of his worst games of the season IMO.
If “good” Baker shows up it will be one heck of a good game. If not it will look the same as last time…
January 17th, 2024 at 11:26 am
THIS IS WHAT CANALES NEEDED!!!
I was so worried Canales would pull his regression stunt. Forgetting that our passing attack is more potent than the run game. Now the locker room is going to insist he opens up the offense.
January 17th, 2024 at 11:41 am
Some of you so-called Buc fans need to be taken out behind the woodshed for a good old-fashioned ass kicking.
Disgraceful
January 17th, 2024 at 11:47 am
BakerFan@ Baker PFF ranking #16, his QBR ranking is#18 at 54.4. Not trying to be negative just educating you on the facts.
January 17th, 2024 at 11:48 am
JK, not exactly the most politically correct post. You’re showing your age.
January 17th, 2024 at 11:54 am
BradyBucs is probably a big Chiefs fan now because of Taylor Swift.
As for Gardner, “we done faced” and high praise for Russell Gage pretty much says it all.
January 17th, 2024 at 11:56 am
Well apparently he is feeling his self. He was a longtime saint so I’m not surprised by his stupidity but couple that with the fact that they shut us down week 6 all we can do is hope we get to shut him up like we did his uncle cam Jordan in 2020 playoffs
January 17th, 2024 at 11:57 am
BakerFan Says:
January 17th, 2024 at 10:51 am
Are you kidding me….. Having a good run game Helps a passing game…. just the opposite of what you said.
Bucs have passed 58% of the time in 2023 yet pass 72% of the time on 3rd down.
Wipe off your chin and say it’s not because Bucs are in 3rd and long a ton because of the piss poor running game.
January 17th, 2024 at 11:58 am
BradyLions, daily reminder for all you Brady stans, its now officially been over a year since Tom last put on a Bucs uniform, what are yall still doing here?
January 17th, 2024 at 11:59 am
Last i saw of him Matt Stafford was lighting his a$$ up and Puca Natua was digging him out of his cleats. Figure I’ll see Mikey run him over for a TD in a few days
January 17th, 2024 at 12:05 pm
Baker has gotten The Browns and The Bucs to the playoffs, and won a game. He is the only quarterback in franchise history to throw for 300 yards and 3 tds in a game. I understand he is a quarterback, and this fan base has no clue as to what a good one looks like, but if you cannot see the value in this guy for this franchise, you are likely just here to gaslight for attention.
January 17th, 2024 at 12:22 pm
In 2018, 2019, 2020 Bakerv was good all year. 21 and 22 were injury years. The problem with letting Baker go after a fantastic year is he may get conSistent somewhere else and you could end up with worse results. You saw that with the Browns where Watson has been suspended or injured for most of 2 seasons. Flacco is a great story but he melted down in the playoffs. Just average in this year to whatever contract he gets if he does not end up with Carroll or Belechick. You will get consistent effort and leadership from Bakes and he has clearly matured. He wont be planting flags or playing injured.
January 17th, 2024 at 12:26 pm
Tb bolts Says:
January 17th, 2024 at 9:18 am
We’ll see if midfield shows up against a motivated Detroit team versus a Philly team that has been imploding. He’ll likely fold like a lawn chair the second the defense isn’t able to keep the Lions off the scoreboard.
^^^^^^^^^
Yeah, you also said the Eagles would throttle the Bucs and Mayfield. How did that work out for you? HAHAHAHA!
January 17th, 2024 at 12:31 pm
And Gardner-Johnson wouldn’t sound illiterate, if he paid attention in English class.
January 17th, 2024 at 12:35 pm
Someone compared Detroit to NO and I have to agree after watching all the dirty hits they delivered against the Rams
January 17th, 2024 at 12:47 pm
Only fault I have with Bake is not taking what the D gives him , If you watch the All22 of our games he often does not throw to the open guys in the Flat and underneath ..He needs to take whatever the Lions give us Sunday.
January 17th, 2024 at 12:49 pm
Sorry…Gardner- who now?
January 17th, 2024 at 12:53 pm
I would love for Baker to have a Brady moment here. Tom was f-ing killer, you can’t help but miss him in times like these because the moment was never too big for him. He was always looking for that bulletin board material.
Please keep this offense rolling Baker.
January 17th, 2024 at 12:57 pm
Gardner-Johnson wasn’t a big deal in the NO Secondary during the Cheating-Payton Era. I listened to every Division game, and I would be more familiar w/him. So, let him start flapping the insults. He doesn’t know Gage hasn’t played. Typical NOLA yahoo. I am looking forward to the Bucs D vs. Lions O. And don’t forget STs. C’mon, Bucs!
January 17th, 2024 at 1:08 pm
Thankyou C.J. Gardner Johnson for the extra motivation. It’s always nice when that happens.
January 17th, 2024 at 1:18 pm
NE fan: ” politically correct?” U think I give a damn? Is this a political site? I call it like I see it and I’m being proven wayyyy more correct than so many of these clown posters; yourself chief among them
January 17th, 2024 at 1:26 pm
Chauncey the Gardner is nonMarshawn Lattimore. It would be most fun and rewarding to see Baker and Mikey skewer him like a kabob.
Go Bucs.
January 17th, 2024 at 1:40 pm
We have the solution to the Bucs QB problem right in house: Kyle Trask.
January 17th, 2024 at 1:55 pm
Since 76. The last 10 games of 2020, Mayfield was on fire. There is your “consistent ” stretch you’ve been crying for. The next season he hot injured in the 2nd game but had a great 1st game. So call it an 11 game stretch. Now stop with all the “I say he stinks now you have to prove me wrong” CRAP. Just put your hate aside and enjoy the ride.
AND STOP COMPARING BAKER TO JAMEIS. THERE IS NO COMPARING THE 2. BAKER HAS FAR EXCEEDED ANYTHING JAMEIS HAS DONE OR WILL DO.
January 17th, 2024 at 2:01 pm
@JK, PFF hates Baker Mayfield and they are VERY subjective. QBR is their own fictitious stat. They are the only group you will find that has Baker outside of the top 12 and most put him in the top 10.
January 17th, 2024 at 2:19 pm
Chris Says: why @ me?
I’m only here because of Bake, he’s a dawg.
A football player who happens to play QB
Go Bucs
January 17th, 2024 at 3:04 pm
D Cone….. that is not helping him have a good pass game coming in 3rd and long, where everyone including your dumb butt knows they are passing. You said helped his stats, being 3rd and long so much does not help any QB stats. Wow.
January 17th, 2024 at 3:09 pm
Baker plays better with a chip on his shoulder. I love how CJ just added to the chip! Baker gonna play BIG this weekend.
January 17th, 2024 at 3:20 pm
What is the shot?
Baker has been the most inconsistent QB in the NFL. On the weeks he shows up, the Bucs offense looks great. On the weeks he doesn’t show up, which the majority of them, the offense stutters and looks like trash.
Baker played a great game on Monday night, and if that same guy shows up on Sunday, the Bucs will have a good chance of getting another W. But if the Baker who collapsed vs the Saints and Panthers shows up, the Bucs will lose by 30.
That’s not bashing Baker, that’s just reality. He gets all the credit for showing up in a big game on Monday, now let’s hope he shows up again on Sunday!
January 17th, 2024 at 3:24 pm
Shots fired!! Bring it on. This Lions team is like the Eagles- not good against the pass.
Fire away Baker!!
January 17th, 2024 at 3:32 pm
Will someone please be sure that Baker gets this bulletin board material!!
January 17th, 2024 at 3:33 pm
David Says:
January 17th, 2024 at 3:24 pm
Shots fired!! Bring it on. This Lions team is like the Eagles- not good against the pass.
Fire away Baker!!
———–
The Lions are like the Eagles in term of pass defense yards, but they’re not like the Eagles in that they’re not in the middle of a huge collapse where their coaches have no clue on how to stop the decline.
This will be a different universe on Sunday, the Lions aren’t going to quit. The Bucs are going to need to bring their A+ game just to have a shot – and I really hope dismantling a struggling team isn’t giving them a big head.
For Baker, hopefully this motivates him to come out and have a big game. He’s earned the right to come back next year, where hopefully he can improve his consistency, but back to back good games in the playoffs will get him a lot more money than if he is one and done. That alone should be huge motivation you’d hope.
January 17th, 2024 at 5:45 pm
If Baker torches him on Sunday, you’ll see a massive troll on CJ . Baker knew the exact quote when a reporter asked him about it, get your popcorn ready. Bakers played in 3 playoff games with 7 TD and 1 int. If you watch the replay of the Browns KC ( in KC)game 2020 Brown should have won that game some really bad calls and it break down by their defense at the end of the game.
January 17th, 2024 at 5:47 pm
Marky mark I just want someone to show me a stretch where Mayfield was consistently playing well. I will admit I think the coaching staffs play calling has had some negative impact on what Mayfield has been able to produce. I think left which was terrible last year for Brady also. Like I posted earlier. If Mayfield could play more consistent ide be all in. But he hasn’t so I’m not….. You been a fan since 76 besides Brady he’s had the best numbers in any Buck quarterback in the history that’s just a fact whether y you like it or not.
January 17th, 2024 at 5:48 pm
Baker has been the most inconsistent QB in the NFL. On the weeks he shows up, the Bucs offense looks great. On the weeks he doesn’t show up, which the majority of them, the offense stutters and looks like trash.
Baker played a great game on Monday night, and if that same guy shows up on Sunday, the Bucs will have a good chance of getting another W. But if the Baker who collapsed vs the Saints and Panthers shows up, the Bucs will lose by 30.
That’s not bashing Baker, that’s just reality. He gets all the credit for showing up in a big game on Monday, now let’s hope he shows up again on Sunday! His quarterback rating is close to 100 you’re just another hating moron
January 17th, 2024 at 5:52 pm
He had back-to-back two games , dude out played Jordan love I had the the highest quarterback( visiting )rating game in the history of Lambeau Fiel, came back and destroyed Jacksonville jaguars. And give you his ratings and Tom Brady’s ratings and games from last year his was better… It’s a fact
January 17th, 2024 at 6:02 pm
Lions are going down!
January 17th, 2024 at 6:38 pm
@NE Fan Says:
January 17th, 2024 at 11:47 am
BakerFan@ Baker PFF ranking #16, his QBR ranking is#18 at 54.4. Not trying to be negative just educating you on the facts.
May want to check Baker’s bonus and how that was paid out.
January 17th, 2024 at 8:47 pm
Patrick@ there are a LOT of QB’s in the league gettingnpaid stupid money for nothing. What relevance does your post have???
January 17th, 2024 at 11:37 pm
Detroit is going to try and rattle Baker from the get go.
We need the screen game and tailback dump off going early.
Until the rush slows a bit and then otten,evans,godwin,Moore and palmer can scorch these guys.
January 18th, 2024 at 5:58 am
Ohh goody!
Buletin board material!
I miss Cam Jordan…
Go Bucs!