The thoughts video games are already at work in Ford Discipline on Sunday following Detroit Lions security C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s interception on Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Within the first quarter, Mayfield tried firing a ball to his high goal, Mike Evans, however the ball went off the veteran receiver’s palms and the tip drill ensued with the Lions defenders behind him.
Gardner-Johnson ended up hauling within the tipped ball and began working it again, searching for higher discipline place for the Lions’ offense. As he went out of bounds, although, he noticed Mayfield proper there subsequent to him.
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Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drops again to go towards the Lions within the NFC divisional playoff recreation at Ford Discipline on Jan. 21, 2024, in Detroit. (Gregory Shamus/Getty Photos)
So, Gardner-Johnson determined to flip the ball again to Mayfield and regarded to say one thing earlier than heading again to his sideline.
Mayfield, annoyed with what simply ensued, made a face as he walked to his bench.
Now, there’s some backstory right here, as Gardner-Johnson and Mayfield have been going backwards and forwards through the week main as much as this NFC Divisional matchup.
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Gardner-Johnson took a delicate shot at Mayfield, whereas speaking in regards to the Buccaneers’ offense.
“This group most likely is likely one of the higher teams we finished confronted all 12 months, moreover that Tampa group,” he advised the Detroit Free Press. “Should you give that Tampa group a superb quarterback, that’s an awesome group.”
Mayfield fired again at Gardner-Johnson, declaring an inaccuracy within the gamers on the Bucs’ offense.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson of the Lions returns an interception towards the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Discipline on Jan. 21, 2024 in Detroit. (Nic Antaya/Getty Photos)
“I don’t assume he’s actually watched movie as a result of he talked about Russell Gage,” Mayfield defined, by way of ESPN. “We love Russell however Russell hasn’t performed a snap all 12 months for us.”
There was additionally the truth that Mayfield simply dissected the Philadelphia Eagles, the reigning NFC champions, at dwelling final week of their 32-9 win that received the Bucs to this place on Sunday.
However he didn’t point out that. As an alternative, Mayfield took the excessive highway.
“He should be going off of preseason stuff that the media was speaking about,” Mayfield stated. “I’m excited to see him. I believe he’s a very good participant. He has been for some time. He’s been an impactful man on each group he’s been on. So, he’s a superb participant, however yeah… simply received to do some bit extra movie examine.”
Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers warms up for the NFC divisional playoff recreation towards the Lions on Jan. 21, 2024, in Detroit. (Nic Antaya/Getty Photos)
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The excessive highway means nothing, although, if you happen to can’t again up your play. Gardner-Johnson has the higher hand after selecting off Mayfield, who might want to reply if he needs to see the Bucs upset one other group this postseason.
