The New Orleans Saints had to start a rookie fourth-round draft pick against the Chicago Bears, and the former Florida Gators NFL prospect responded well. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (who has gone by C.J. since being drafted by the Saints) started in place of suspended nickel corner P.J. Williams, predominately covering the slot.
It was his responsibility to corral opponents like Bears chess-piece Tarik Cohen, who’s drawn comparisons to Darren Sproles as one of the NFL’s most-dangerous pass-catchers out of the backfield. Cohen finished the game with just 19 yards gained on 12 targets, losing eight yards on catches against Gardner-Johnson’s coverage.
In total, Gardner-Johnson allowed seven of the 11 targets thrown his way to be completed, but his opponents turned them into just 18 yards — all picked up after the catch, reflecting how often he was involved in tackles at or around the line of scrimmage. He also deflected two passes. Check out his stat line from Pro Football Focus:
Gardner-Johnson is listed on the roster as a safety, but the Saints are being smart in letting him play to his strengths. He stood out as a slot corner in his career at Florida, and he’s already making an impact in that role for New Orleans. Not bad for a mid-round draft pick.
Williams will be eligible to return from his suspension after the Saints’ next game with the Arizona Cardinals, but they’re set to go into their bye week immediately after. That gives Gardner-Johnson another game in which to audition for the starting job. With nearly two weeks between their next two games, the coaching staff will have plenty of time to decide whether Gardner-Johnson should continue to run with the first-team defense, or if Williams should keep his spot. For now, it’s Gardner-Johnson’s opportunity to lose.
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