The New York Jets have been one of the more disappointing teams in the NFL this season. Most fans thought that a “healthy” Aaron Rodgers meant the Jets would break their NFL-leading playoff drought. And yet while there have been a vast number of underperforming players this year, one player whose downfall was unexpected was that of Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner.
Has Gardner lost the sauce?
Gardner, who is a two-time first-team All-Pro for New York, has visibly regressed in his third year with the Jets. But the issues started far prior to the beginning of the NFL season.
This summer, fans openly questioned Gardner’s commitment to his craft. After all, the Jets cornerback seemed more inclined to entertain podcasts with questionable characters and working on his golf game than anything that had to do with football itself. Now, that lack of attention to detail is starting to find its way onto the football field.
After the Jets’ latest loss to the New England Patriots, Gardner admitted that he may need a better understanding of the team’s coverage concepts. In his third year in this defensive system, that’s not what you should be hearing out of your starting cornerback.
"I'm still stuck on that play. I just know that's a play that can be made"
Sauce Gardner talks about Jacoby Brissett's late pass to Kayshon Boutte: pic.twitter.com/LSiOrwbwVV
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) October 27, 2024
It hasn’t just been a slip up from Gardner, either. Despite being targeted tied for the 19th-lowest rate, the Jets cornerback gives up the third-most yards per reception (16.6) among 86 qualified players per PFF. Gardner is giving up big plays, and the more he’s been targeted, the more he’s looked exposed this season.
The New York cornerback has seemed almost disinterested at times this season for the Jets. Prior to last week’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Gardner looked lost in the sauce during Tony Adams‘ pregame speech. And while this may be subjective, his performance in that contest was anything but.
By any means necessary. pic.twitter.com/yXJyk5v0Cn
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 20, 2024
Gardner’s lack of coverage ability this season has been on display all year. Last week against Pittsburgh, the Jets cornerback was beaten soundly by a 5-foot 9-inch receiver in press coverage. However, a poor throw disguised the bad rep.
Calvin Austin vs. Sauce Gardner red zone press rep.
Great job playing through contact off the line of scrimmage, stacks him and then gives a sweet fake at the break point to win outside. https://t.co/meWc9vsfFP pic.twitter.com/Fz7vQ05OfS
— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) October 21, 2024
Perhaps ironically, the Steelers receiver was Calvin Austin III, who burned the Cincinnati cornerback years ago; and it’s something that I highlighted in an article on Gardner back in 2022.
And unfortunately, something else of note from that article has started creeping its way back onto the football field – the inability to tackle.
When Gardner was drafted, many knew that tackling wasn’t what the Cincinnati product was known for. However, it’s hard to believe anyone would have thought that it would get this bad.
At the moment, Gardner has the fourth-worst run-stopping grade among cornerbacks with at least 100 snaps, per PFF. He has the fifth-highest missed tackle percentage (37.5%), with an average depth of tackle at 7.7 yards. His overall missed tackle rate of 23.3 percent ranks seventh among NFL cornerbacks (min. 300 snaps).
Opposing teams know that the Jets cornerback is making business decisions in the run game. The game against the Denver Broncos showcased some perfect examples, but that is just the beginning.
I went through every play of the #Jets 10-9 loss to Denver and I noticed a disturbing trend with Sauce Gardner. He doesn't seem to want to tackle anymore. Here are 5 prime examples. pic.twitter.com/lQZ5apEXZH
— Mike Antoniou (@MikeASports) September 30, 2024
Missed tackles are becoming a theme for the Jets cornerback. Against the Buffalo Bills, he was unable to take down a backup running back who ran directly at him. While the run didn’t go for a long gain, it adds emphasis to the problem surrounding Gardner.
All pro sauce Gardner can’t tackle ray Davis pic.twitter.com/gyAQTLiila
— Asa D (@rogervilleasa) October 18, 2024
New York fans also saw the Jets cornerback whiff once again in a tackle situation. This time it was during Sunday’s loss, where Gardner gave up a big gain to running back Rhamondre Stevenson. This time, the Jets cornerback both whiffs in coverage and in a tackle opportunity.
These are the little things that will get you beaten. This is a terrible rep by Sauce Gardner. He misses this play, and it sets up New England for a touchdown. pic.twitter.com/Q2l1YTHHKZ
— Doctor Gridiron (@DrGridiron_MD) October 28, 2024
Don’t just take my word for it, either. Former NFL wide receiver Steve Smith believes that Sauce Gardner isn’t the best cornerback on the Jets. And, the pro-turned-analyst believes teams no longer fear targeting the third-year cornerback.
“Sauce is a heck of a football player, but he doesn’t get targeted a lot,” began Smith. “But I noticed, they weren’t running away from him when [the Steelers] were targeting George Pickens. It was almost like if Sauce is on him, let’s throw the football. I thought Sauce really struggled with covering, without grabbing. He’s very handsy; and I think [D.J.] Reed is the better coverage corner than Sauce.”
"I think Sauce [Gardner] really struggled with covering without grabbing… I think [D.J.] Reed is the better coverage corner."@SteveSmithSr89 says Sauce Gardner isn't the best corner on the New York Jets ✈️ pic.twitter.com/kTV5wy9wJx
— Underdog (@UnderdogFantasy) October 23, 2024
What’s Gardner’s future with the New York Jets?
In a prior article, I discussed that Gardner’s response to adversity would be key for the future of the Jets. Thus far, the New York cornerback has faltered when given the opportunity. And it brings forth the question of whether or not the Jets should retain Gardner long-term, or if the sauce has dried up – for lack of a better term.
There’s reason to believe a lack of accountability starting from the top of the organization has played a role in the lack of development from Gardner. After all, it’s hard to believe a two-time All-Pro would look like barbeque chicken in his third season. Yet it’s that lack of accountability, focus, and a go-getter attitude that’s seen the Jets’ cornerback regress entirely.
Gardner’s coverage ability can still be considered above-average, but not elite. However, he rarely creates turnovers and is a liability in run defense. Because of that, it may be wise to part with Gardner instead of paying him the type of contract he’ll garner in free agency.
This isn’t something Jets fans may want to come to terms with, but it could be the best scenario for everyone involved.
The Jets should be in a rebuilding situation after this season. That’s where leadership, alongside talent, is pivotal for the future of the team. Gardner has shown little as a leader on the defense. And for a cornerback that does little traveling (whether it’s scheme-related or not), and doesn’t tackle or create turnovers, it makes more sense for the team to trade Gardner while his value is still at its highest.
All-Pro players can (and do) drop off. It shouldn’t take much to remember the Jets had a similar situation unfold just a few years ago with Jamal Adams. The Jets would eventually trade Adams to Seattle, much to the dismay of many New York fans. However, it has been proven to be the right decision with hindsight.
Now, the Jets may find themselves at a similar crossroads with another star defensive back. And while the book isn’t closed on Gardner yet, a similar situation could unfold if there isn’t improvement. After all, it’s always better to be one year ahead, than to be stuck with the bag and unable to move it.
For the Jets and Sauce Gardner, that time could be arriving sooner than later.
