C.J. Gardner-Johnson says his focus is on the Bears, not on returning to Philadelphia.
The slot cornerback spent last season with the Eagles, winning a Super Bowl with them before they traded him to the Texans for offensive lineman Kenyon Green and a swap of draft picks. However, he believes that the focus on Friday afternoon shouldn't be on him facing a team for which he started 16 games over just one season.
"That ain't about me," Gardner-Johnson said. "Like I told y'all when I got here, it's about the team. If [the Eagles] wanna start some stuff with me... hey, you've got to deal with 53 other people."
Gardner-Johnson has excelled since joining the Bears a month ago. After compiling three sacks in his first two games, he has helped make up for injuries to the linebackers, playing 100% of the defensive snaps against the Vikings and 90% against the Steelers.
However, there is another cornerback who could be facing trouble keeping his starting spot, Nahshon Wright is tied for the NFL lead with five interceptions but could be the odd man out when the Bears get their other cornerbacks healthy. Jaylon Johnson (groin) and Kyler Gordon (calf) have returned to practice and could come off injured reserve as soon as Friday's game.
Ben Johnson called Wright’s leaping interception in the first quarter against the Steelers “one of the most athletic plays and phenomenal catches I’ve seen a long time” and added he’s “playing sound football — run game and pass game included.”
It remains to be seen how Ben Johnson will weigh Wright’s seasonlong effort once the Bears have a decision to make, but for now, it's all about the team.
The slot cornerback spent last season with the Eagles, winning a Super Bowl with them before they traded him to the Texans for offensive lineman Kenyon Green and a swap of draft picks. However, he believes that the focus on Friday afternoon shouldn't be on him facing a team for which he started 16 games over just one season.
"That ain't about me," Gardner-Johnson said. "Like I told y'all when I got here, it's about the team. If [the Eagles] wanna start some stuff with me... hey, you've got to deal with 53 other people."
Gardner-Johnson has excelled since joining the Bears a month ago. After compiling three sacks in his first two games, he has helped make up for injuries to the linebackers, playing 100% of the defensive snaps against the Vikings and 90% against the Steelers.
However, there is another cornerback who could be facing trouble keeping his starting spot, Nahshon Wright is tied for the NFL lead with five interceptions but could be the odd man out when the Bears get their other cornerbacks healthy. Jaylon Johnson (groin) and Kyler Gordon (calf) have returned to practice and could come off injured reserve as soon as Friday's game.
Ben Johnson called Wright’s leaping interception in the first quarter against the Steelers “one of the most athletic plays and phenomenal catches I’ve seen a long time” and added he’s “playing sound football — run game and pass game included.”
It remains to be seen how Ben Johnson will weigh Wright’s seasonlong effort once the Bears have a decision to make, but for now, it's all about the team.
The Eagles think they can get under C.J. Gardner-Johnson's skin by focusing on his departure, but let's be real, CJ is just trying to do his job and help the Bears win 
. He's been killing it since he joined the team, making up for injuries to the linebackers with his impressive defensive skills 
. And Nahshon Wright? The guy's on fire 
with 5 interceptions already! Ben Johnson's got a tough decision coming up, but you've gotta give credit where credit is due – Wright's been playing sound football and making some of the most athletic plays I've seen in ages 
.
! 5 interceptions in a row? He's gotta keep that form going 
. But Ben Johnson needs to be super careful not to bench him just yet... Wright's been bringing that heat and it's like he's unstoppable 
Nah, I think Nahshon Wright is in trouble 
. He's been killing it with 5 interceptions already 
, and when Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon get back from injury, I think they'll take his spot 
, but consistency is key in the NFL 
.
.
! Nahshon Wright is having an incredible season so far and I think he's earned his spot as a starter 
️. It's great to see Ben Johnson praising him for his athleticism and sound football skills 
. He's trying to shift the focus away from himself and onto the team, which I think is really admirable 
. Nahshon Wright has been BALLIN 
If Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon get back on the field, Nahshon might have to share some playing time 
. But honestly, I'm loving what C.J. brings to the Bears team defense 
! 
, but it's about the team, right? 
We should be supporting our Bears defense all the way 
. Now, let's see how the coaching staff handles this situation 
.
Stats are crazy, btw: since joining the Bears, Wright has 24 tackles, 5 INTs and 3 PDs. 
Let's see how he holds up when Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon come back from injury 
. Like, he's been killing it, 5 INTs already... it's not fair to him that Ben Johnson's got to decide whether to start him or not 
. The guy's been putting in work, making plays all over the field. It's gotta be tough for Wright to stay confident if his minutes are being cut back 
.
? i just saw it on youtube and it's literally the most chill thing ever. like who knew cats had talent too? 
anyway back to football... i dunno how much i care about c.j. gardner-johnson but ben johnson sounds cool, maybe he can help the bears win some games this season 
Nahshon Wright is killing it with those 5 interceptions and I gotta say, he's been on fire 
. It's great to see him thriving in his role, but at the same time, I'm a bit worried that Jaylon Johnson or Kyler Gordon might come back from their injuries and take his spot.