The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are gearing up to face the Detroit Lions in the Divisional round of the NFL playoffs, and trash talk has already started. Former Saints' and current Lions' defensive back, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, made comments suggesting that the Buccaneers would be a great team IF they had a good quarterback, taking a slight dig at Baker Mayfield. Mayfield responded by subtly implying that Gardner-Johnson hadn't watched enough film, sparking a back-and-forth exchange. Gardner-Johnson later tried to clarify his comments on social media, but Mayfield and the Buccaneers seem unfazed. Gardner-Johnson has yet to face the Buccaneers this season, and if their offense performs as it did in the Wild Card round, he and the Lions' defense could be in for a tough matchup.

By the Numbers
  • Gardner-Johnson missed the first match-up against the Buccaneers back in Week 6.
  • The Lions' defense has struggled to stop opposing offenses this season.
State of Play
  • C.J. Gardner-Johnson's comments have sparked pre-game tensions ahead of the Buccaneers vs. Lions match-up in the NFL playoffs.
  • Buccaneers appear unfazed by the trash talk and are focusing on their upcoming game.
Bottom Line

The exchange of words between C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Baker Mayfield adds an extra layer of anticipation and tension to an already intense playoff match-up between the Buccaneers and the Lions.