
Credit: Jason Behnken - Associated Press
By Dan Levy - Staff Writer - Saintsreport.com
When the question of "Who is the most valuable player on the Saints defense?" comes up, there are always the usual suspects: Demario Davis, Cameron Jordan, Marshon Lattimore…
And rightfully so.
However, the most worthy name typically missing from this conversation is C. J. Gardner-Johnson. While the scrappy, trash-talking playmaker is most commonly referred to as a nickel, when it comes to the Saints’ defense he is actually so much more. His role expands far beyond the traditional slot corner position, first and foremost, because the Saints play what would be considered a Nickel Big or a 4-2-5 as their base defense. What this means is that, as a 5th DB, GJGJ takes more defensive snaps than any linebacker not named Demario Davis.
Still there is more to CJGJ than the semantics of his position and his status as a starter; it is what he does—his actions—that really define the value he brings to the team. The term football player for guys like this is an often overused trope, but when it comes to the narrow definition of “an athlete who can play any position on the field at a high level”... well, that’s exactly what GJGJ is.
Here’s why:
Slot Coverage
For a true nickel defender, this is where it all starts: being able to effectively cover a slot receiver. The emergence of this position has changed NFL offenses—and, by extension, defenses. It is certainly no easy task, especially when it comes to man coverage, and while perimeter corners are able to leverage the sideline as an extra defender, slot corners do not have that luxury. From the moment the ball is snapped, the odds are not in their favor.
Yet CJ Gardner-Johnson routinely makes it look easy.

âï¸ Flat-fot man-man PBU vs OUT
15 seconds · Clipped by Coach Dan Levy · Original video "Chauncey Gardner Johnson Full Season Highlights "Closerð¤«"(Season Highlights)|" by Smokeless

Here's another angle:

âï¸ (2) CJ flat-foot man-man PBU vs OUT
15 seconds · Clipped by Coach Dan Levy · Original video "Chauncey Gardner Johnson Full Season Highlights "Closerð¤«"(Season Highlights)|" by Smokeless

But CJ isn't just effective at covering man-to-man down the field and making plays on the ball. He is also an absolute demon when it comes to breaking up on the short game. His instincts, discipline, and aggression when it comes to screen plays in front of him is particularly impressive.

âï¸ CJ plant-drive - screen buster
20 seconds · Clipped by Coach Dan Levy · Original video "Chauncey Gardner Johnson Full Season Highlights "Closerð¤«"(Season Highlights)|" by Smokeless


âï¸ CJ DAWG vs bubble
18 seconds · Clipped by Coach Dan Levy · Original video "Chauncey Gardner Johnson Full Season Highlights "Closerð¤«"(Season Highlights)|" by Smokeless

Pass Rush
As a spectator, if I had to guess what CJ's favorite thing in the world is, I would say blitzing. And it's no wonder why; as a DB, he is simply one of the best.

âï¸ CJ Pass Rush Hands
15 seconds · Clipped by Coach Dan Levy · Original video "Chauncey Gardner Johnson Full Season Highlights "Closerð¤«"(Season Highlights)|" by Smokeless


âï¸ CJ Edge Pressure Flow
7 seconds · Clipped by Coach Dan Levy · Original video "Chauncey Gardner Johnson Full Season Highlights "Closerð¤«"(Season Highlights)|" by Smokeless

Run Defense
Speaking of patience, let's talk about CJ as a run defender. There is a reason the Saints are able to stay in a "nickel" defense on first down, and basically run it as their base. That's because, when it comes to run defense, CJ is as good as just about any LB.

âï¸ CJ Slow play B-gap
11 seconds · Clipped by Coach Dan Levy · Original video "Chauncey Gardner Johnson Full Season Highlights "Closerð¤«"(Season Highlights)|" by Smokeless


âï¸ CJ vs 12 Personnel
15 seconds · Clipped by Coach Dan Levy · Original video "Chauncey Gardner Johnson Full Season Highlights "Closerð¤«"(Season Highlights)|" by Smokeless


âï¸ CJ block shed vs Heavy look
12 seconds · Clipped by Coach Dan Levy · Original video "Chauncey Gardner Johnson Full Season Highlights "Closerð¤«"(Season Highlights)|" by Smokeless


âï¸ CJ Bubble LB dip-rip run fit
9 seconds · Clipped by Coach Dan Levy · Original video "Chauncey Gardner Johnson Full Season Highlights "Closerð¤«"(Season Highlights)|" by Smokeless


âï¸ CJ using block - aggressive force vs. pin/pull
15 seconds · Clipped by Coach Dan Levy · Original video "Chauncey Gardner Johnson Full Season Highlights "Closerð¤«"(Season Highlights)|" by Smokeless

Ball Skills
Now to everyone's favorite part: CJ picking off Brady.

âï¸ CJ Brady INT (film study vs rub)
50 seconds · Clipped by Coach Dan Levy · Original video "Chauncey Gardner Johnson Full Season Highlights "Closerð¤«"(Season Highlights)|" by Smokeless

The gamble comes when he peeks to the QB and then peels off his man for the INT. But that is film study. CJ likely knows that this is a rub combination, and who the ball is meant to go to. He anticipates this and is able to steal normally very high percentage play from one of the best QBs in the game.

âï¸ CJ 2nd Brady pick - bait on crosser
15 seconds · Clipped by Coach Dan Levy · Original video "Chauncey Gardner Johnson Full Season Highlights "Closerð¤«"(Season Highlights)|" by Smokeless

You even see CJ almost fall for it when he peeks early into the backfield. But fortunately, he is only briefly fooled, and Brady is forced off his spot. CJ's confidence and recovery speed kick in, and he dials in another INT vs. "the GOAT" on a play that was specifically designed to make him look stupid.
Don't call this man a nickel. He's one of the best defensive players in the league.