Eagles Star C.J. Gardner-Johnson Fined Once, Twice, Thrice!

SEPT 28 THRICE! Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been fined ... once, twice, thrice!

The veteran DB has been punished by the league for trio actions in last week's win at New Orleans, including (drum roll, please ...)

• Unnecessary roughness (for a late hit) = $11,255
• Unsportsmanlike Conduct (for taunting) = $16,883
• Unsportsmanlike Conduct (for taunting again) - $16,883

Yes, that's about $45,000 in penalties for Gardner-Johnson, who even before the game was pretty nasty, remarking that his former Saints team "ain't no contenders, they're pretenders'' because of his lack of respect for QB Derek Carr.

Oh, and last week, he was tabbed for a taunting fine against the Falcons, too.

On Sunday, Philly is at Tampa Bay. And yeah, C.J. might as well bring his wallet.

SEPT 28 WHERE'S WHITE? The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 2-1 without Devin White. The Philadelphia Eagles are 2-1 with him. But as these two contenders ready for Sunday NFL Week 4 and their playoff rematch in which White's Bucs crushed Philly - Devin is not the factor he was supposed to be.

CBS Sports is listing each team's biggest need ahead of the Week 4 schedule and oddly, they mention the absence of White as a problem for the reigning NFC South champion Bucs.

They write: "Linebacker is a problem area. The Buccaneers are allowing 3.60 yards per rush after contact, which is third-worst in the NFL ... "The room looks a lot different with Devin White now in Philadelphia."

No argument with the facts on the Bucs' tackling issues; they are one of the league leaders in missed tackles through the first three weeks of the season.

But suggesting that White is a factor here seems ... baseless. And why? He has contributed nothing to the Eagles' cause, as the 2019 first-round pick has been a healthy scratch for Week 2 and 3.

If the wounded Bucs could magically snap their fingers and bring back Devin White for a game? They might do so.

Coach Reveals How To Get Mike Evans Rolling

But until further notice, there is no reason to think that Philly at Tampa Bay is in any way "about'' Devin White.

SEPT 27 TRICKY The Philadelphia Eagles know that this week's foe has multiple challenges at the wideout spot. Mike Evans is the big guy. And ... Chris Godwin has made his impact felt through the first three weeks for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he has done it in more than one way.

A recent article by PFF details how Godwin could make a difference in the Week 4 slate: More screen passes.

"Buccaneers appear to be focusing on getting the ball to Chris Godwin on wide screens, a tactic used sparingly last season," PFF writes. "In 2023, Godwin was targeted just seven times on wide screens. This season, he has already been targeted five times, catching all five for 62 yards. Since entering the league in 2017, Godwin leads all players with 107 total targets on wide screens."

Is it a "secret''? Given his history, it shouldn't be to Philly. Is it a surprise to see the numbers? It doesn't need to be to Eagles fans anymore.

SEPT 27 THE SECRET? The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are prepping to take on the Philadelphia Eagles is a rematch of last season's playoff blowout win for the Bucs. ... with a major change in place.

The Bucs have plenty to worry about because Saquon Barkley has jumped via free agency from the Giants to Philly ... and now he leads the NFL in rushing.

"He's a very talented back and his jump cut is unlike anything we've ever seen before," Bucs defensive back Zyon McCollum said. "We just need to do our job, but ... If we don't control the line of scrimmage... they'll push us off the ball and they'll just continue to run."

Barkley tops the NFL with 351 total yards and 117 yards per game. And altogether, the Eagles have a top-three rushing offense in the league. .. with QB Jalen Hurts also a threat.

Can the Bucs stop Saquon in Week 4? That's the key to this one.