Arrr! Lions' CJ Gardner-Johnson be mockin' Bucs' Baker Mayfield aft'r snatchin' th' pigskin during NFC divisional clash!
2024-01-21
Avast ye! 'Twas a fine day on the gridiron when C.J. Gardner-Johnson, a swashbucklin' safety from the Detroit Lions, bein' as mischievous as a scallywag, didst snatch an interception and merrily flipped it back to that Tampa Bay Buccaneers' pirate, Baker Mayfield. Ahoy! The jests be flyin'!
In the jargon of a 17th-century pirate, some mind games are already underway in Ford Field on Sunday following Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson's interception on Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield. The interception occurred in the first quarter when Mayfield attempted to throw the ball to his top target, Mike Evans. However, the ball went off Evans' hands, leading to a tip drill amongst the Lions defenders. Gardner-Johnson managed to catch the tipped ball and began running it back, hoping to improve the Lions' field position.As Gardner-Johnson went out of bounds, he noticed Mayfield right beside him. In an act of cheekiness, Gardner-Johnson decided to flip the ball back to Mayfield and exchanged a few words before returning to his sideline. Mayfield, visibly frustrated, made a face as he walked to his bench. This incident takes on added significance due to the ongoing banter between Gardner-Johnson and Mayfield leading up to the NFC Divisional matchup.
Gardner-Johnson took a subtle jab at Mayfield, praising the Buccaneers' offense but highlighting their need for a good quarterback. Mayfield fired back by pointing out an error in Gardner-Johnson's assessment of the players on the Bucs' offense. Despite Mayfield's recent success against the Philadelphia Eagles, he chose not to mention it and took the high road instead.
While Mayfield may have taken the high road in his response, it means nothing if he cannot back it up on the field. Gardner-Johnson currently has the upper hand after intercepting Mayfield, and the Buccaneers' quarterback will need to respond if he hopes to lead his team to another postseason upset.