Baker Mayfield‘s ability to deliver clutch performances when it matters most has become a trend… And the fans are putting respect on his name especially after Week 2.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ starter once again pulled off late-game heroics, this time against the Houston Texans, converting a fourth-and-10 from Tampa’s own 32 with a gutsy 15-yard scramble before the drive ended in the game-winning touchdown.

The play brought him face-to-face with old rival C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who made the stop, prompting Mayfield’s postgame jab:

“Yeah, just me and my buddy Chauncey in the open field.”

Gardner-Johnson later fired back on X, keeping their rivalry alive off the field.

“Block out the noise, continue to get better #htownmade”

CJGJ’s tweet after the game made it clear he wasn’t buying into Baker’s postgame jab. By saying “continue to get better,” he acknowledged Tampa’s win. But framed it as motivation, refusing to let Mayfield’s narrative define his own performance or drive.

The trash talk, though, went deeper than just a routine tackle. When Gardner-Johnson brought Mayfield down from behind, the QB appeared to tweak his ankle, only to pop back up after hearing Gardner-Johnson chirping at him.

Later, after another scramble where Mayfield took a shot to the knee, Gardner-Johnson leaned in again before stepping back as Mayfield rose to celebrate. It was classic Mayfield–Gardner-Johnson theater, a rivalry that’s been brewing long before this latest clash.

CJ Gardner-Johnson has a history with Baker Mayfield 

CJGH and Baker Mayfield’s rivalry dates back to the 2023 NFL season.

During the 2023 playoffs, Gardner-Johnson, then with the Detroit Lions, took a dig at Mayfield. 

“If you give that Tampa group a good quarterback, that’s a great group,” Gardner-Johnson said before the Lions’ playoff match against the Buccaneers.

Mayfield didn’t take this statement lightly and replied, “So, he’s a good player, but yeah … just got to do a little bit more film study.”

Although the Buccaneers lost the match, but the targeted QB didn’t forget. He must have carried that revenge mode in the match against the Texans. 

It’s no shock to see Gardner-Johnson running his mouth. He has built that reputation. In fact, The Athletic’s 2023 anonymous player poll crowned him the league’s “biggest trash talker.”

Even he admits it’s not always about tearing opponents down but more about hyping up his own teammates, keeping energy and edge alive on the field.

Still, don’t expect Gardner-Johnson and Mayfield to be exchanging holiday cards anytime soon. Their rivalry is far from over, though this round ended with Mayfield having the last laugh as Tampa walked away with the win over Houston.