The Philadelphia Eagles fell in the final seconds to the Washington Commanders and a lot happened that led to the frustrating defeat. One of the biggest talking points from this game will be how C.J. Gardner-Johnson received two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, resulting in an ejection from the game.
The first penalty came at the end of the first quarter and the second one happened during the third quarter. Zack Baun forced a Commanders fumble (the Commanders' fourth turnover of the game) and Gardner-Johnson was seen jawing at the opposing players. The second unsportsmanlike penalty meant that CJGJ had to leave the game and watch the final quarter and a half from the locker room. As he was leaving the field, he made sure everyone knew how displeased he was by flipping the double bird.
Eagles fans know that Gardner-Johnson is a hot head but sometimes he does enough to make up for his trash-talking ways. For instance, in this game, CJGJ had an interception off rookie sensation Jaylen Daniels. But that'll be forgotten about in the wake of his ejection, flipping of the bird, and then his comments after the game.
Gardner-Johnson claims that he "got kicked out for nothing" and that he plays "with passion and fire". He also noted that the Commanders were "chirping all day" and asked what was supposed to be expected?
C.J. Gardner-Johnson voiced his frustration following Week 16 ejection
Gardner-Johnson might think the officials were against him but he has to be better than he was on Sunday. The Eagles could have used him on the field in the final quarter when the Commanders engineered a comeback and went on to win the game.
While the Eagles should be able to still win the NFC East and host a playoff game, their shot at the number one seed sadly took a hit with this loss. Not only did they lose their game, but the Lions beat the Bears and now are back ahead of Philadelphia in the playoff standings.
Gardner-Johnson has a history of being an emotional player so no one was surprised to see these events go down but he still has to be better than this.