C.J. Gardner-Johnson Refocuses on Bears' Success Amid Philadelphia Return Looming.
Chicago Bears slot cornerback C.J. Gardner-Johnson is shifting the attention away from his impending return to Philadelphia, a team where he spent last season, winning a Super Bowl with them before being traded to the Texans for defensive lineman Kenyon Green and draft picks.
Instead, the 27-year-old defender has emphasized that his focus remains on helping his current team secure victories.
"Win a championship there," Gardner-Johnson said in an interview after Sunday's game. "Other than that, I appreciate them."
Gardner-Johnson expressed that he wants to avoid being associated with controversy stemming from his return to the city where he got off to a strong start as a starting corner last season.
"That ain't about me," Gardner-Johnson said. "Like I told y'all when I got here, it's about the team. If they wanna start some stuff with me... hey, you gotta deal with 53 other people."
The Bears' cornerback has been instrumental in helping Chicago secure crucial wins after recording three sacks in his first two games for the team.
Gardner-Johnson's play has compensated for injuries to key linebackers on the team. His consistent performance was evident when he played every defensive snap against the Vikings and 90% of snaps against the Steelers last Sunday.
However, Gardner-Johnson struggled with deep shots in Sunday's game, although it is not typical behavior from him as he usually performs well on passes beyond the intermediate range.
Meanwhile, Nahshon Wright, another key cornerback for the Bears, has been making a strong case to maintain his position alongside Gardner-Johnson. Wright tied for the league lead with five interceptions and was praised by Bears coach Ben Johnson after leaping over a receiver to make one of the most athletic plays he's seen all season.
However, Wright could be on shaky ground due to injuries suffered by Jaylon Johnson (groin) and Kyler Gordon (calf), who both returned to practice this week and might compete for playing time whenever they are fully healthy.
Chicago Bears slot cornerback C.J. Gardner-Johnson is shifting the attention away from his impending return to Philadelphia, a team where he spent last season, winning a Super Bowl with them before being traded to the Texans for defensive lineman Kenyon Green and draft picks.
Instead, the 27-year-old defender has emphasized that his focus remains on helping his current team secure victories.
"Win a championship there," Gardner-Johnson said in an interview after Sunday's game. "Other than that, I appreciate them."
Gardner-Johnson expressed that he wants to avoid being associated with controversy stemming from his return to the city where he got off to a strong start as a starting corner last season.
"That ain't about me," Gardner-Johnson said. "Like I told y'all when I got here, it's about the team. If they wanna start some stuff with me... hey, you gotta deal with 53 other people."
The Bears' cornerback has been instrumental in helping Chicago secure crucial wins after recording three sacks in his first two games for the team.
Gardner-Johnson's play has compensated for injuries to key linebackers on the team. His consistent performance was evident when he played every defensive snap against the Vikings and 90% of snaps against the Steelers last Sunday.
However, Gardner-Johnson struggled with deep shots in Sunday's game, although it is not typical behavior from him as he usually performs well on passes beyond the intermediate range.
Meanwhile, Nahshon Wright, another key cornerback for the Bears, has been making a strong case to maintain his position alongside Gardner-Johnson. Wright tied for the league lead with five interceptions and was praised by Bears coach Ben Johnson after leaping over a receiver to make one of the most athletic plays he's seen all season.
However, Wright could be on shaky ground due to injuries suffered by Jaylon Johnson (groin) and Kyler Gordon (calf), who both returned to practice this week and might compete for playing time whenever they are fully healthy.
! C.J. Gardner-Johnson is bringing that fire 
, and it's awesome to see him shift his focus away from all that drama about going back to Philly 
. The guy just wants to win a championship with Chicago 
, and I'm rooting for him all the way 
! Nahshon Wright is definitely making some noise too 
, tying for the league lead in interceptions – can't wait to see what he does when Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon get back on the field 
.
Gardner-Johnson is trying to keep it 100, doesn't wanna be the controversy magnet... but it's weird how he's gonna keep his past with those Eagles in the background 
Nah, I'm good, focus on the team and wins for now 
He's got a history in Philly and now he's back and everyone's making a big deal about it, but honestly can't we just focus on the Bears winning? 
They need him to bring that fire on both sides of the ball not this drama... Nahshon Wright is killing it though, I love how he's stepping up with all those injuries 
But seriously, when are they gonna figure out who's gonna be the real #1 corner? 
so Gardner-Johnson is trying to shift the focus from his return to Philly back to being a team player, but honestly, it's hard to buy that he's not got some beef with the city 
seems fishy. But hey, if he wants to be all about the team, that's cool, just don't expect me to believe it till I see some concrete actions, not just words 
he's all about the Bears right now and ain't worried 'bout what ppl think about him comin back to philly...i feel like that's really mature of him tho, cuz it's def easy 2 take out ur frustrations on someone but nope Gardner-Johnson is keepin' it real 
meanwhile nahshon wright is killin' the game with those 5 interceptions lol can't wait 2 see how this all plays out 
. anyway, let's hope the bears keep it up and CJ can have a solid season without all that drama getting in the way 
Nahshon Wright's performance has been super impressive too, I'm loving the competition between him and Gardner-Johnson for those corner spot 
Fingers crossed Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon come back healthy soon, that'd be amazing for the team 
. Seriously though, with Jaylon and Kyler returning, there's gotta be some reps up for grabs. If Nahshon can keep impressing, I think he'll stick as the third corner, but if he falters... 
Gardner-Johnson's play speaks for itself, so the Bears should ride that wave 
, but with C.J. Gardner-Johnson struggling with deep shots 
, I'm a bit concerned about their ability to overcome adversity 
, but Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon's return could shake up the cornerback depth chart 
. Also, did you know that the Bears have been one of the most consistent teams in the NFC North 
, with an average win probability of 71.4% since last season? 
. Nahshon Wright is looking strong too, gotta keep an eye on how the depth chart shakes out once Jaylon and Kyler get back to full health 
. Nahshon Wright is making some great cases to stay in the starting lineup too 
. Can't wait to see how it all plays out when Jaylon and Kyler return from injury 
c.j gardner-johnson seems like a good sport tho 
. and honestly, nahshon wright has been doing a great job too! 
. can't wait to see how the rest of the season plays out 
