C.J. Gardner-Johnson NFL, former safety for the Former Eagles, recently joined the chorus of NFL players blaming the turf at State Farm Stadium. Despite now being a member of the Detroit Lions, Gardner-Johnson took to Twitter to express his belief that the Eagles’ defense would have fared better against the Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line if they had played on natural grass instead of artificial turf.
Run that bowl back on legit grass , the Dline SMASH that Oline I’m sorry 🗣️🗣️🗣️
— C.J. Gardner-Johnson (@CGJXXIII) July 3, 2023
The complaints about the turf at State Farm Stadium are not new. During Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Arizona, several players were observed struggling on the field, with Philadelphia defensive lineman Haason Reddick even describing it as the worst field he had ever played on. The NFL’s chief groundskeeper, George Toma, later revealed that the excessive watering of the turf was to blame for the poor conditions.
So why did Gardner-Johnson decide to bring up this issue on July 3. Several months after the Super Bowl? Speculations abound, ranging from lingering frustration over the Eagles’ inability to sack Patrick Mahomes. During the game to resentment towards the controversial holding penalty on cornerback James Bradberry that led to the Chiefs’ game-winning field goal. Another possible trigger for Gardner-Johnson’s tweet was a report by Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio. Which claimed that the NFL privately blamed players for wearing incorrect cleats. Despite the Eagles players having switched their cleats at halftime.
We talking about grass on the biggest stage…Y’all rush plan was to win with games when rushing 4 with a mix of man and zone thinking that shit was getting home ❌ !!!! On top of that y’all rushed 5 with Cov 1 and a splash of 3!! Let’s not act like the field helped me stop a bull… https://t.co/Hhvh6qAtXJ
— Orlando Brown Jr. (@ZEUS__57) July 3, 2023
Despite Turf Concerns: Super Bowl LVII’s Success
However, regardless of the issues with the turf, Super Bowl LVII still became the most-watched Super Bowl in history. As confirmed by updated Nielsen ratings. Patrick Mahomes was crowned MVP for the second time. While Jalen Hurts delivered an impressive four-touchdown performance despite the Eagles’ loss. Despite changes in personnel and coaching, both the Chiefs and the Eagles are currently favored as the top two teams to win the Super Bowl this season. With the Chiefs at +600 and the Eagles at +900, according to Bet MGM.
As the focus shifts to Super Bowl LVIII, Allegiant Stadium would do well to take note of the field conditions. To ensure a smooth and optimal playing surface for the ultimate football showcase.
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