CJ Gardner-Johnson laughed for the first time after his back-and-forth battle with Baker Mayfield before Sunday's NFC divisional round game.
Early in the first quarter, Mayfield targeted Mike Evans over the middle of the field at third-and-17, but the ball was deflected into the hands of a Lions safety, giving the Lions a 12-yard gain on a play against Tampa Bay. 41 yard line.
As a result, the Lions' possession led to a field goal, giving them an early 3-0 lead.
As Gardner-Johnson lost pounds and went down, he flicked the ball back to Mayfield with an icy motion.
Earlier this week, coach Gardner Johnson said the Buccaneers' receivers would get even better “if we give the group in Tampa a good quarterback.”
Mayfield didn't retract his response, pointing out that the safety hasn't studied the team as much as he claims.
“I don't think he really watched the movie because he was referring to Russell Gage,” he replied. “You know, we love Russell, but Russell hasn't played a snap for us all year. I'm sure he's off that preseason thing the media was talking about. .”
Mayfield had a great year, throwing for a career-high 28 touchdowns and finishing with a 64.3 completion percentage.
He also led the Buccaneers in the wild-card round of the playoffs, defeating the favorite but struggling Eagles.
Mayfield and Gardner-Johnson will meet for the first time this season on Sunday, as the safety missed the regular-season matchup (20-6 Lions win) with a torn pectoral muscle.
“He didn't play in our first game, so I'm looking forward to seeing him,” Mayfield said. “I think he's a really great player. He's been that way for a while. He's been an influential guy on every team he's ever been on.
“But yeah, he needs to study film a little more.”
The Lions led the Buccaneers 31-17 in the fourth quarter.
Mayfield completed 21 of 33 passes for 276 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff was 28-for-40 for 276 yards and two touchdowns.
Outside of the interception, Gardner-Johnson had one lone tackle.
