In a recent game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New Orleans Saints, Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson expressed outrage over a hit that injured receiver DeVonta Smith, labeling it a “cheap shot” and accusing the Saints of playing dirty.
The incident occurred early in the fourth quarter when Smith, after making a catch, was blindsided by Saints defensive tackle Khristian Boyd, leading to a concussion that sidelined him for the rest of the game. Notably, there was no penalty called on the play, which further fueled Gardner-Johnson’s frustration.
Following the game, which the Eagles won 15-12, Gardner-Johnson shared his feelings about the hit, emphasizing that it was one of the dirtiest plays he had ever witnessed in football. He pointed out that Smith’s forward momentum had already been halted before the collision, indicating that the hit was unnecessary and reckless.
This matchup was particularly emotional for Gardner-Johnson as it was his first time facing the Saints after being traded to the Eagles in August 2022, amplifying his feelings about the incident.
Eagles players had mixed reactions to the hit, with left tackle Jordan Mailata expressing concern and frustration. He described the play as dirty but was uncertain about Boyd’s intentions, highlighting the complexity of the situation.
Defensive end Brandon Graham echoed this sentiment, suggesting that players often act in the heat of the moment. This indicates that while there was consensus on the hit being questionable, opinions varied on whether it was intentional or not.
Smith’s injury cast a shadow over the game, with players visibly concerned for their teammate. Coach Nick Sirianni showed support by placing a hand on Smith’s knee while he was on the ground.
After a lengthy delay, Smith was able to walk off the field under his own power, though he was later ruled out. The emotional toll of injuries was evident, as center Cam Jurgens lamented the impact of such plays on players’ safety and the overall game.
The game was marred by injuries beyond just Smith, with standout right tackle Lane Johnson also leaving due to a concussion and other players suffering various injuries. Right guard Mekhi Becton and receiver Britain Covey were ruled out as well, with Covey seen in a sling postgame. Despite these setbacks, the Eagles managed to secure a narrow victory, underscoring the physical and often perilous nature of football.
