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Former Philadelphia Eagles defensive back, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, believes that the talent on his new team, the Detroit Lions, is better than the talent on his former team. Worth mentioning his former team is coming off a Super Bowl trip.
Gardner-Johnson made the statement at his introductory press conference in Detroit, where he spoke about his excitement to be joining the Lions and his belief that the team has what it takes to win the division and make the playoffs.
Gardner-Johnson’s statement is noteworthy because the Eagles were the Super Bowl champions just a few years ago and won the NFC Championship last year. However, the defensive back remained confident that the Lions could surpass that level of success, citing his previous experiences with teams that had won multiple divisions and made deep playoff runs.
“Everybody can look from the outside looking in, but this team has talent. This team, we can win the division, possibly win the division,” Gardner-Johnson said. “When I look at a team coming from where I came from, and the teams I’ve played on that won multiple divisions, been to playoff games, and been to the Super Bowl, this team has what it takes to get there, win the division and get to the playoffs.”
Gardner-Johnson’s confidence in the Lions’ roster is well-placed, as the team has made significant strides in the offseason to improve its talent pool. The Lions made several key acquisitions in free agency, including signing former Steeelrs cornerback Cam Sutton, former Bears running back David Montgomery and former 49ers cornerback Emmanuel Moseley.
They also made some impactful moves in the draft last season, selecting defensive end Aidan Hutchinson in the first round and linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez in the sixth round.
Despite these moves, Gardner-Johnson’s claim that the Lions have more talent than the Eagles is still up for debate. The Eagles have been one of the most successful NFL teams in recent years, they still have a talented roster that includes quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver A.J. Brown.
Nevertheless, Gardner-Johnson’s comments reflect the optimism that has been building in Detroit since the hiring of head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. The Lions have been in a rebuilding phase for several years, but with the additions they have made this offseason, they look poised to compete for a playoff spot in the near future.
Only time will tell if Gardner-Johnson’s prediction proves accurate, but Lions fans will undoubtedly be thrilled to hear that one of their newest players believes in the team’s potential.