Mike Vrabel hasn't forgotten CJ Gardner-Johnson and snaps back at him sarcastically

C.J. Gardner-Johnson said he didn't want to create bulletin-board material after Buffalo Bills ’ 29-26 loss to the New England Patriots . His next few sentences did exactly that.

The Bills safety downplayed Efton Chism III ’s late touchdown catch, calling him an “elevated guy” and suggesting the play was unlikely to happen again.

“An elevated guy made a hell of a catch, probably won’t hear from him again,” Gardner-Johnson told reporters. “A practice squad player made a hell of a play. That’s all I’m going to tell you. You do it again, and he probably won’t make it again.”

Vrabel heard those comments and chose not to let them pass quietly.

Vrabel turns criticism back on Gardner-Johnson

During an appearance on The Greg Hill Show, the Patriots coach responded by pointing to Gardner-Johnson ’s own recent movement around the league.

“For a guy that has been on eight teams in four years, I mean, I guess he knows the drill,” Vrabel said.

It was a pointed answer, and one that fit the edge of a rivalry that had already produced a tense game.

Gardner-Johnson has never been shy about speaking publicly, and his comments after the loss were consistent with that reputation.

But Vrabel ’s reply shifted the focus away from Chism ’s status and onto the work required to stay in the league at all.

He then made clear how differently the Patriots view their young receiver.

“Nobody works harder,” Vrabel said. “You love to see players take advantage of opportunities and help the team win.”

Chism preparation mattered more than profile

Chism finished the game with four catches for 42 yards, but the biggest moment came on the touchdown that helped swing the game in New England’s favor.

Vrabel said the play wasn't simply a lucky break from an unknown player.

“He is very well respected,” he said. “He practices. He is on the show team. He takes a million reps. Nobody logs more miles or yards or whatever we track than [Chism].”

That was central to Vrabel’s response. Gardner-Johnson framed Chism’s catch as a one-off from a marginal player.

Vrabel framed it as the result of a player earning an opportunity through consistent work behind the scenes.

New England will get another look at Buffalo later in the season, and Gardner-Johnson ’s remarks are unlikely to be forgotten before then.

The Patriots already had the result they wanted Sunday. By Monday morning, Vrabel had made sure they also had the last word.