New Orleans Saints: 3 X-factors from Sunday’s win over San Francisco

Number Two: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson

The New Orleans Saints had a surprising star step up for the squad today with the emergence of second-year defensive back CJ Gardner-Johnson.

Gardner-Johnson had a field day and arguably had the best game of his entire career against the San Francisco 49ers as he was all over the field punishing anyone who crossed his path.

Gardner-Johnson tallied eight tackles, three quarterback hits, one sack and one pass defended in the Week 10 win.

Gardner-Johnson was used in more of a Vonn Bell role today where he started rushing the quarterback more, which is a role we haven’t seen him used in much in his career so far. His excellent speed and hitting ability allowed him to hit Nick Mullens three times and record his first career sack.

Gardner-Johnson is primarily known as a guy who always gets in the head of opponents, but this week he stepped up on the field big time as well. If it weren’t for his playmaking on the defensive side of the ball, the Saints may not have been able to hold on.