C.J. Gardner-Johnson rips Saints after DeVonta Smith “cheap shot”
DeVonta Smith’s helmet-to-helmet hit from Khristian Boyd Sunday in Philadelphia’s 15-12 win at New Orleans has yet to draw NFL punishment. It’s also unclear how the injury affects Smith’s short-term future.
But what is clear is the criticism from Eagles players and their fans after the hit caused Smith to leave with a concussion.
Hoping we hear some good news about Devonta Smith and Slay. 2 of the dirtiest and unnecessary plays I’ve seen in years.
The fact that neither of these lead to unnecessarily roughness penalties is beyond me but I expect Penning and Khristian Boyd to get hit with fines this week. pic.twitter.com/w6C8H55qeu
— That Hurts (@That_Hurts) September 23, 2024
C.J. Gardner Johnson, already motivated because of playing his old team in the Saints, called the Saints a bunch of “front-runners.”
“That’s the dirtiest (stuff) I ever saw in football, bro,” said Johnson according to CBS Sports Y’all obviously saw that forward progression was stopped. And for them to take a cheap shot on one our key guys, it shows what kind of team that is. They’re front-runners.”
Making matters worse, some appeared to see spit after the hit.
It Sure Looked Like Some Scumbag Saints Defender Spat On DeVonta Smith As He Laid Motionless On The Ground https://t.co/lx0BQHrbMi pic.twitter.com/zqXX6EsXjO
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 22, 2024
Jordan Mailata spoke with more nuance, wondering what more he could have done .
“Do I think it was dirty? Yeah, but do I think it was intentional….,” said Mailata, who later hit Boyd. “I was just trying to make a play.”
Jordan Mailata shares his range of thoughts on the play that injured DeVonta Smith immediately after the game. pic.twitter.com/sf6xhz5RbQ
— Tim McManus (@Tim_McManus) September 23, 2024
Smith was seen walking away from the field after the play.
DeVonta Smith walking back into the Superdome now. He was being tested for a concussion. Coach Nick Siriani said, “DeVonta puts his body on the line and I hope he is ok.” Jalen Hurts said, “prayers out to Smitty and I am glad we found a way to win in his home state.” pic.twitter.com/BbGTxFwqny
— Malinda Adams (@MalindaAdams) September 22, 2024
It was the latest in a string of September injury news, as the team played without another starting receiver, A.J. Brown, and then lost linemen Lane Johnson and Mekhi Becton during the game. Johnson, seen puking on the field, suffered a concussion as well and Becton had a finger injury.
Fans have also wondered why the Boyd play wasn’t a penalty, but this one was.
Does anyone want to explain how Khristian Boyd’s hit on Devonta Smith differs from this one? Barnett’s hit was penalized. https://t.co/IZZknePUTg
— Iggles Nest (@IgglesNest) September 23, 2024
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