Landover, Maryland.Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was removed in the third quarter of Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders after getting two unsportsmanlike penalties.
Dom Disandro, the Eagles’ head security officer, pulled Gardner-Johnson from the field. He taunted the Northwest Stadium crowd with both middle fingers before heading into the dressing room. The Eagles were ahead 24–14 at the time.
Jayden Daniels’ five touchdown throws, including a 10-yard pass to receiver Jamison Crowder with six seconds left and Gardner-Johnson in the locker room, ultimately caused them to lose, 36-33.
In addition to risking a substantial fine, Gardner-Johnson will have to face his teammates and defend an expensive and immature expulsion during a crucial game.
Daniels was 24 of 39 for 258 yards, with two touchdowns to Terry McLaurin and Olamide Zaccheaus. With nine carries and 81 yards, Daniels was Washington’s top rusher as well.
Gardner-Johnson was given his first unsportsmanlike penalty with 17 seconds left in the first quarter for shoving Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown in the helmet. Brown was not given a penalty.
The exchange can be seen here.
Gardner-Johnson shouted at Brown while removing his helmet. Before being punished for it, he continued to rant despite the referees’ warnings to stop.
Gardner-Johnson was given a second unsportsmanlike penalty in the third quarter for engaging in another altercation over yelling.
For the rest of the game, the Eagles had to rely on backup safety Tristin McCollum. McCollum performed admirably in the fourth quarter of the Eagles’ Week 13 victory over the Baltimore Ravens and recorded four tackles in his first career start against the Carolina Panthers two weeks ago.
Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus outran McCollum for a 4-yard score early in the fourth quarter. In the fourth quarter, Eagles safety Reed Blankenship made a crucial interception, but the defense was unable to make a last stand because of a worn-out pass rush and a weak secondary.
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