C.J. Gardner-Johnson Sounds Off on Cam Newton: 'Stop Coming for My QB'

C.J. Gardner-Johnson supports Jared Goff.

One of the common critiques of Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is that he is not a player that can propel an offense to victory. 

Since his arrival in Detroit, the former Rams quarterback has worked to repair his reputation, a reputation which was hurt after Sean McVay gave up on the former No. 1 pick. Goff, remember, was included in the blockbuster deal that landed Matthew Stafford in Los Angeles.  

Defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who has missed the majority of the 2023 season with a torn pectoral muscle, took to social media to sound off against Cam Newton for insinuating the 29-year-old signal-caller is simply a "game manager."

“Brock Purdy, Tua Tagovailoa, and Jared Goff, and really, Dak Prescott -- these are game managers,” Newton expressed. “They’re not difference-makers. They’re asked not to lose the game. I don’t care what you do. You don’t have to score every time. You just don’t have to throw a pick every time, either. If we’re going to really call a spade a spade, a game manager is different than a game-changer.”

Since the end of the 2021 season, Goff has played at a high level, pairing with Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to highlight his strengths as a play-action passer.

In recent weeks, skeptics have started to comment on Goff's increase in turnovers and dip in overall performance. 

Issues with turnovers that plagued Goff earlier in his career have returned in Detroit's recent stretch of games.  

Gardner-Johnson, who is not shy to share his feelings publicly, posted on social media, "If Cam talking about JG , then what are you! Last time I check you couldn’t manage a game. STOP COMING FOR MY QB!! Bring me on so we can talk FUNKY WEDNESDAY!!"

THE CAM NEWTON CONTROVERSY-
This whole thing is interesting for a lot of reasons; but I’m just going to cover the things that address the irrational parts of the consternation:

First and foremost, when did the label “Game Manager” become a negative thing? Not every QB is a… https://t.co/HelIyJ034t

— Tazim Wajid Wajed (@NFLHitman33) December 13, 2023

If Cam talking about JG , then what are you ! Last time I check you couldn’t manage a game 🤔 STOP COMING FOR MY QB!! Bring me on so we can talk FUNKY WEDNESDAY!!

— C.J. Gardner-Johnson (@CGJXXIII) December 13, 2023