CJ Gardner-Johnson clowns Eagles speechless

The Chicago Bears dominated the Philadelphia Eagles on the road in Week 13 The Bears improved to 9-3 with a 24-15 win on Friday. And Chicago’s defense shined, forcing two turnovers and holding Saquon Barkley and Philadelphia’s ground game to just 87 yards.

Friday’s game was a revenge game for CJ Gardner-Johnson. The veteran linebacker won a Super Bowl with the Eagles last year, but was traded to the Houston Texans during the offseason. After being released by Houston, Gardner-Johnson eventually ended up in Chicago. And he was ready to face his former team in Week 13.

After the Bears’ big win in Philly, LeSean McCoy asked the seven-year safety if the Eagles’ offense was too easy and predictable. Gardner-Johnson, usually never at a loss for words, just grinned and dismissed the question on the Speakeasy podcast. But when McCoy pressed him, Gardner-Johnson looked into the camera and gave a knowing wink.

CJ Gardner-Johnson gets revenge on the Eagles in the Bears’ Week 13 win

McCoy also asked Gardner-Johnson, a noted trash talker, if he was “talking shit” against the Eagles. “No, I had too much respect for them to even disrespect the players I played with,” Gardner-Johnson replied. “But it was like we disrespected them defensively.”

It was an unusual year for the former fourth-round pick. Houston coach DeMeco Ryans suggested Gardner-Johnson’s release was related to problems in the locker room.

He was signed to the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad in October, but asked to be released a week later, seeking “a clearer path to play.” The Bears were a natural fit given the team’s secondary.

Chicago’s defensive backs are finally getting healthy as cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon were activated on Friday. Johnson has been sidelined since week two with a core injury. Gordon landed on IR after Week 7, missing the last five games.

The Bears maintained their lead in the NFC North, winning their fifth straight game on Friday. Chicago outgained the Eagles 425 to 317 yards and dominated time of possession, holding the ball for 39:18 of the game.

The Bears head to Green Bay in Week 14 for a massive division showdown against the Packers. Green Bay improved to 8-3-1 with a win over the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day. The Packers trail Chicago by half a game in the NFC North.