The Philadelphia Eagles really, really want a second chance at beating the Kansas City Chiefs — even if some of those players are on new teams.
Philadelphia was one holding call away from potentially defeating the Chiefs last season, but instead James Bradberry was caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Bradberry fessed up the hold rather than blaming the officials, which was an exceptionally mature thing to do at the time.
There’s been plenty of roster turnover in Philadelphia, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson is one of those players now on new teams. Gardner-Johnson signed with the upstart Detroit Lions this offseason.
Former Eagles star wants revenge on the Chiefs
CJGJ will begin his Lions career on the road at Arrowhead, attempting to play spoiler. The Chiefs will be favored in that game as defending champs, but don’t tell Gardner-Johnson that.
“Truthfully, honestly, no,” Gardner-Johnson said during his recent appearance on “Up and Adams.” “I can’t like, it’s gonna hurt to see them come out, Super Bowl champs and I just faced them. I’m gonna have to channel my emotions, so I can go out and play a good game. The guys on the team won’t understand the magnitude of how I feel, because they weren’t there with me. But, I’m still gonna bring the same intensity. I’ve got a chip on my shoulder, I want to beat them. I want to spoil the homecoming.”
Gardner-Johnson feels as though he’s in a good spot with his new team. While a return to Philly would’ve been nice given the Eagles are the defending NFC Champions, CJGJ has an opportunity to blossom on a looming contender in Detroit.
Aaron Rodgers no longer owns the NFC North, which creates an opportunity to make the postseason. Heck, they nearly did so last season.
Even if they lose to the Chiefs opening night, this Lions team is not to be messed with.