Fans explode on social as Gardner-Johnson’s sack goes viral but Jaxson Dart earns respect

C.J. Gardner-Johnson didn’t just show up for his Chicago Bears debut, he made an entrance. The veteran safety needed only a few plays to remind everyone why he’s one of the league’s loudest defensive spark plugs.

In the Bears’ Week 10 matchup against the New York Giants, Gardner-Johnson blitzed rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart and delivered an explosive sack that instantly fired up Soldier Field. It wasn’t just a tackle, it was a statement that the Bears’ defense just got its swagger back.It happened early, just five minutes into the first quarter. On second down, Gardner-Johnson came storming off the slot, untouched, and leveled Dart for an eight-yard loss.

The timing was perfect, the execution flawless, and the roar from the Chicago crowd said it all. The sack forced a quick three-and-out for the Giants and gave the Bears’ defense the spark they needed to set the tone.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s debut moment that electrified the Bears’ defense, Jaxson Dart’s rough welcome but not a bad showing

According to reports, the play marked Gardner-Johnson’s first sack since 2022 and his first as a Bear. Not bad for a debut, right? Fans watching knew immediately this was more than luck, it was the return of a defensive voice Chicago had been missing.

To be fair, Jaxson Dart handled it like a pro. The rookie quarterback barely had time to breathe before Gardner-Johnson was in his face, yet he didn’t flinch. The Giants’ offensive line completely blew the protection, leaving Dart helpless on the sack. Still, the kid kept his composure and continued to sling the ball. The problem wasn’t him, it was everyone around him. Fans saw it too.

Bears fans celebrate the sack, but many give Dart his flowers

The internet had plenty to say: some celebrating, others sympathizing. “Jaxson Dart an absolute dog. Answered this question like an OG 🔥,” tweeted @awthentik, praising how good Dart is playing even after that brutal hit.Another fan, @BlueshirtsRob, joked, “Jaxson Dart wasn’t familiar with your game?” a playful nod to how the rookie may not have known what was coming from Gardner-Johnson, but handled it like a veteran.Then @banksdex97 dropped the line every Giants fan related to: “Another Jaxson Dart dropped touchdown.” Reporter Art Stapleton even shared a “Jaxson Dart intro” clip that sparked a flood of comments all echoing the same thing: Dart looks good, his line doesn’t.So while Gardner-Johnson got the highlight, Dart quietly earned the crowd’s respect. If the Giants can give him protection, this “dog” might just turn into the real deal.

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