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NFL Makes Big C.J. Gardner-Johnson Announcement Heading Into Week 18

By Richard Louis

Dec 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (8) reacts after a play against the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Dec 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (8) reacts after a play against the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images / Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
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The Philadelphia Eagles have been one of the best teams in the NFL this season. Going into the year, there were a lot of questions surrounding Nick Sirianni's ability to lead the team but he put those critiques to bed.

The Eagles are 13-3 going into Week 18 as they host the New York Giants. Running back Saquon Barkley had a monster game, logging 167 rushing yards against the Dallas Cowboys. He's now over 2,000 rushing yards on the season and has a shot at breaking Eric Dickerson's all-time record.

Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson also had a great performance against the Cowboys and got an honor from the NFL on New Year's Eve.

Eagles News: C.J. Gardner-Johnson is NFC Defensive Player of the Week

In the win over the Cowboys, Gardner-Johnson had one tackle and two interceptions, including a 69-yard interception returned for a touchdown in the first quarter.

His outing against Dallas earned him season-highs in overall grade (94.4) and coverage grade (92.9) per PFF.

The Florida product returned to Philly this offseason after one season with the Detroit Lions. Since stepping back on the field, Gardner-Johnson has been a reliable force in the secondary. This season, he's compiled 59 total tackles, 12 pass deflections, and six interceptions.

He's a big-time vocal leader for this team, but his play on the field has also taken a jump throughout the season.

The Eagles' defense has been stellar in 2024, ranking first in total defense (280.9) and first in pass offense (176.4). In addition, they are third in scoring defense (18.1). Between Weeks 10-17, they held seven of their eight opponents to 20 points or fewer.

Philadelphia's pass defense was a major liability last season, and GM Howie Roseman made it his mission to change that. The proof is in the pudding, and Gardner-Johnson plays a huge part in that.

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