Section 215
Fansided

Referee Who Ejected C.J. Gardner-Johnson Dodges Important Question

Shawn Smith clearly seemed to be targeting the Eagles' CB after a bizarre explanation for the ejection.

By Joe Summers

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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Eagles CB C.J. Gardner-Johnson was ejected during Sunday's loss to the Commanders after getting penalized twice for unsportsmanlike conduct, though the referee's post-game comments raised questions about whether the fouls were justified.

Gardner-Johnson has started all 15 games this year and is one of the most important members of the defense. He has a well-earned reputation as an instigator, but referee Shawn Smith seemed to target him with the second penalty.

Commanders WR Dyami Brown shoved Gardner-Johnson's helmet off in a skirmish, though only the Eagle drew a flag. When pressed about the decision after the game, Smith seemed to dodge the fair question.

Referee Shawn Smith Gives Bizarre Explanation for C.J. Gardner-Johnson Ejection

Smith said that Gardner-Johnson was taunting, but he's the one who got his helmet ripped off. The appearances were strange, making it seem like Smith penalized Gardner-Johnson based on his reputation more than anything.

Trash talk is nothing new in the NFL and Smith's assertion that Brown didn't commit a foul represents an egregious mistake. Perhaps the Eagles still would have lost, yet the ejection represented a pivotal turning point in the contest.

Gardner-Johnson took to social media following the loss to declare his frustration. He's got a point, and ejecting him in that moment seemed like a major miss from the officials. Now, Philadelphia is essentially locked into the No. 2 seed in the NFC barring a complete collapse from Detroit.

The Eagles close the year with the Cowboys and Giants, two games Philadelphia should win with ease unless Jalen Hurts' concussion keeps him sidelined. Even if they drop a game, they're three wins clear of the Rams and four of the Falcons, so they shouldn't fall down below that second seed unless the Commanders miraculously catch them in the division.

Securing a first-round bye would've been ideal, especially after Hurts' injury. The referees didn't cause the Eagles to lose that game but strangely ejecting Gardner-Johnson certainly didn't help matters.

Even though Gardner-Johnson didn't deserve the second penalty, it's clear he has a target on his back and needs to be careful moving forward.

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