C.J. Gardner-Johnson had the first laugh against Baker Mayfield after the two had back-and-forth digs before the NFC divisional round game Sunday.
Early in the first quarter, Mayfield looked for Mike Evans over the middle of the field on 3rd-and-17, but the ball was deflected and landed in the hands of the Lions’ safety, who gained 12 yards on the play to Tampa Bay’s 41-yard line.
The Lions’ possession, as a result, led to a field goal to take the opening 3-0 lead.
As Gardner-Johnson tumbled out of pounds, he flipped the ball back to Mayfield in an ice-cold move.
Earlier this week, Gardner-Johnson said the Buccaneer’s receivers would be better “if you give that Tampa group a good quarterback.”
Mayfield didn’t back down from a response, noting that the safety hasn’t studied their team enough to make the claim.
“I don’t think he’s really watched film because he mentioned Russell Gage,” he said in response. “You know, we love Russell, but Russell hasn’t played a snap all year for us. He must be going off preseason stuff that the media was talking about.”
Mayfield has had a big year, throwing for a career-high 28 touchdowns and finishing with a 64.3 completion percentage.
He also led the Buccaneers past the favored, yet struggling, Eagles in the wild-card round of the playoffs.
Sunday is the first time Mayfield and Gardner-Johnson will face one another this season, as the safety missed their regular season matchup — a 20-6 Lions victory — because of a torn pectoral muscle.
“He didn’t play our first game so I’m excited to see him,” Mayfield said. “I think he’s a really good player. He has been for a while. He’s been an impactful guy on every team he’s been on.
“But yeah, he’s gotta do a little bit more film study.”
The Lions lead the Buccaneers, 31-17 in the fourth quarter.
Mayfield has completed 21-of-33 passes, tallying 276 yards for two touchdowns and one interception.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff has gone 28-for-40 for 276 yards and two touchdowns.
Outside of the interception, Gardner-Johnson has one solo tackle.