New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner might have only two interceptions in his first two NFL seasons, but his overall performance justifies his back-to-back All-Pro First Team selections. Gardner has become a cornerstone of the Jets’ defense, showcasing his prowess through several key metrics.
Despite being targeted 141 times, Gardner has allowed just two touchdown passes, demonstrating his exceptional lockdown coverage. His defensive abilities have been so formidable that quarterbacks are increasingly hesitant to throw in his direction.
Gardner, the 2022 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, has excelled particularly in late-game situations. Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranks him as the No. 1 overall cornerback heading into the 2024 season, backed by two remarkable stats from the past two seasons.
Firstly, Gardner has set the standard for fourth-quarter pass coverage in the NFL since 2022. He has allowed a mere 76 receiving yards in the fourth quarter and overtime, the lowest in the league. Secondly, he has limited opposing quarterbacks to a completion rate of just 36.7% when targeting him in the final 15 minutes of regulation time. These stats underline Gardner’s clutch performance and reliability in high-pressure situations.
Gardner’s impact has been magnified by his partnership with DJ Reed, who also joined the Jets in 2022. Together, they have propelled the Jets’ pass defense to a Top 3 ranking in the NFL. Gardner, who turns 24 on August 31, continues to be a defensive anchor and a critical player for the Jets’ future success.