Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson has made a career out of fiery, aggressive play from the secondary. He may not be a superstar player, but he has established himself as a solid contributor, often making splash plays to turn the tide of games.
When the Houston Texans released the safety after just three games last season, the blame was pinned on Gardner-Johnson, with reports surfacing that he rubbed his teammates the wrong way and failed to learn the defensive scheme.
He was picked up later in the season by the Chicago Bears, helping them on their playoff run. After signing with the Bills this offseason, he'll have a chance for revenge when Buffalo takes on the Texans in Week 1.
Per Sal Capaccio, when asked about the Texans in a recent interview, he said, "It was a good team. Not saying nothing on the front office or staff, but the players that are there are good, you know. All the bullsh** that came out, it was lies, but whatever. Um, I just can't wait to see them.”
C.J. Gardner-Johnson's revenge arc is just what Bills need in Week 1
Later in the same interview, Gardner-Johnson brought up the topic of his release again, saying, "They released me because I wasn't gelling with the team and I didn't fit well. Well, why hadn’t the coach spoke up about it?”
The veteran safety still made an impact for the Bears last season, producing three sacks and two forced fumbles in his first two games with the team.
Gardner-Johnson will have a chance to take over a starting role in the Bills' secondary after signing a one-year deal this offseason. He is the current frontrunner in the position battle, with Damar Hamlin and rookie Jalon Kilgore behind him.
He will likely be moved around the formation in Jim Leonhard's defense, with Geno Stone and Cole Bishop acting as the other two safeties.
Gardner-Johnson's intensity could be exactly what the Bills need on defense. This unit gave up the fifth-most rushing yards per game in the NFL last season. Their inability to stop the run put Josh Allen and the offense in disadvantageous situations throughout the year.
With a hard-hitting safety like Gardner-Johnson on the back end of the unit, the Bills should see their rushing defense improve.
The Week 1 battle against the Texans will be a major test for the Bills in their fight to reach the Super Bowl. Gardner-Johnson is currently dealing with a calf strain, but he's expected to be back on the field soon. With weeks to go before the start of the season, it doesn't hurt to add a bit of bulletin material for the matchup.
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