Lions have a lot to prove before taking C.J. Gardner-Johnson's comments seriously

Newly-signed Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson turned heads earlier this week when he suggested his new team has more talent than his old one, the defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles.

"To be honest, it's a little better. But that's just on me...This team is talented," Gardner-Johnson said on Tuesday.

Detroit has emerged as a trendy pick to win the conference this season, but not so much to surpass Philadelphia in the NFC's pecking order. Per Oddschecker, the Lions (+1200) have the fourth-best odds of winning the conference, behind the 49ers (+350), Eagles (+400) and Cowboys (+700). 

The Eagles -- despite also losing 2022 starters Isaac Seumalo (guard), Miles Sanders (running back) and Javon Hargrave (defensive tackle) in free agency -- retained cornerbacks James Bradberry and Darius Slay while adding running back Rashaad Penny and defensive backs Justin Evans and Greedy Williams this offseason.

Last year, Philadelphia allowed a league-low 179.8 passing yards per game while Detroit ranked 30th, allowing 245.8 passing yards per game.

On offense, the two teams ranked third and fourth, with Philadelphia (389.1 yards) edging the Lions (380.1 yards) by less than the length of a first down. The Eagles also ranked third in points per game (28.1) while the Lions ranked fifth (26.6).

Gardner-Johnson is one of several new additions to a defense that was in need of fresh talent. Detroit also added cornerbacks Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Mosely in free agency, giving some credence to Gardner-Johnson's claim. 

Edge rushers Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston IV were extremely promising as rookies but the secondary was a mess a year ago. It's not a stretch to suggest with a better performance from their defensive backs, the Lions would have made the playoffs.

What's more questionable is whether Gardner-Johnson's new teammates at cornerback are superior to  Bradberry and Slay Jr., or if the Lions pass rush can get close to duplicating the historic season from the Eagles' defense a season ago. Philadelphia recorded 70 sacks in 2022, becoming one of four teams to eclipse the 70-sack mark in a season and the first to do so since Minnesota in 1989.

Gardner-Johnson isn't the first defensive back to overstate what his defense is capable of. Plus, his braggadocio is a big part of what makes him such a valuable asset for a defense. No one will ever accuse him of lacking confidence, which is exactly what a team needs as it tries to make the leap from preseason darling to Super Bowl contender. 

There's no doubt the Lions have made positive moves this offseason, and with the NFC North in flux, should be considered the favorite. They already lead the division in talking.