NEW ORLEANS — Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson spent three seasons in New Orleans playing for new Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who had the same role with the Saints.
“He’s a great coach — very willing to help other guys get better. …” Johnson said Wednesday while preparing for Sunday’s Super Bowl against the Chiefs. “Happy for him that he got another chance to be himself and do what he do.”
The Saints finished in the top five in fewest points allowed in two of those years. He said that Allen’s defense is adaptable but that he figures to emphasize an attacking style.
“I’d say that he’s aggressive,” he said.
All defensive players want an aggressive coach, right?
“If you listen to your players,” he said.
Gardner-Johnson and Allen teamed up on the 2020 playoff team that beat the Bears in Round 1 at Caesars Superdome. He goaded Bears receiver Anthony Miller into punching him, leading to an ejection.