Key Takeaways:
– New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner isn’t keen on comparisons to former star Darrelle Revis.
– Gardner has had a stellar start to his career, featuring an advanced statistic of allowing just two touchdowns when targeted on 124 passes.
– The Jets are showing significant talent across the secondary, with performers like D.J. Reed, Michael Carter II, and rookie Qwan’tez Stiggers supporting Gardner.
Sauce Gardner Distances from Revis Comparisons
New York Jets cornerback, Sauce Gardner, is not appreciative of his consistent comparisons with former Jets star Darrelle Revis. During an in-depth interview on the “Green Light with Chris Long” podcast, Gardner pointed out the differences between him and the Hall of Fame honoree.
Gardner cited, “First of all, we have two totally different body types. But it’s Revis we’re talking about. The amount of special things he’s done is crazy. I’m only going on Year 3 in the league, so it’s different. I have to become the best Sauce Gardner I can be.”
Gardner’s Impressive Start to NFL Career
Despite only playing two seasons, Sauce Gardner’s career has had a commendable beginning. A product of the 2022 NFL Draft as the fourth overall pick, Gardner was recognized as a lockdown corner while at Cincinnati. He concluded his college tenure as a consensus All-American and AAC Defensive Player of the Year.
Gardner has participated in 33 of 34 potential games, securing the role of the No.1 corner. In his career thus far, he has accumulated two interceptions and 31 pass breakups. His rookie season even saw him lead the league with 20 pass breakups.
However, Gardner’s defensive capabilities extend beyond traditional numbers. Advanced stats indicate that he allowed a mere two touchdowns on 124 passes thrown his way. Quarterbacks challenging Gardner had an average passer rating of just 63.0. These impressive stats boost expectations from him as he enters his third season.
Jets’ Cornerback Talent Beyond Gardner
While Gardner receives frequent Revis comparisons, the talent within the Jets’ cornerback position spans beyond him. D.J. Reed, a former Seattle Seahawks standout, completed his first season with the Jets commendably, tallied 76 total tackles, nine pass breakups, and one interception in 2023.
Also making headlines in the Jets secondary is Michael Carter II, who had the most impressive season of his career in 2023. Finishing the year with a career-high 80.4 PFF grade, Carter II demonstrated his prowess as a capable tackler and coverage corner.
Another potential gem in the Jets secondary is rookie Qwan’tez Stiggers. While new to NFL, Stiggers displayed commendable skill at the CFL level last season, earning the Toronto Argonauts’ Most Outstanding Rookie title with five interceptions.
With a well-stocked roster of talented secondary players, opposing quarterbacks will likely struggle to secure significant plays against the New York Jets in the upcoming 2024 season.
As Sauce Gardner navigates his early career, continually compared to someone as accomplished as Darrelle Revis, he remains focused on carving out his unique journey and proving his worth each time he steps onto the field.