After dominant preseason, rookie Sauce Gardner will get first big test in Week 3
In the preseason, New York Jets rookie cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner stuck to receivers like honey BBQ sauce to a chicken wing. He had one of the best preseasons of any Jets rookie in the past decade.
Gardner, who told ESPN he plans to "dominate" this season, was not targeted on 24 pass-coverage snaps in three preseason games, per Jets analyst Michael Nania.
Gardner played against only two starting NFL quarterbacks, Marcus Mariota (Atlanta) and Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia). Neither is a top-tier NFL QB, according to The Athletic writer Mike Sando's NFL QB tiers. Gardner, the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, also did not face a top-tier receiver in the preseason.
Expect Gardner's targetless streak to end in Week 1, when the Jets host the Baltimore Ravens and QB Lamar Jackson. Nonetheless, Gardner should have a strong game against the run-heavy Ravens, who lack a proven No. 1 receiver.
In Week 2, the Jets play at the Browns, who will start backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett, the replacement for suspended starter Deshaun Watson. Again, Gardner should have a strong game in pass coverage against Brissett, an undistinguished passer with a 14-23 record as an NFL starter.
Gardner's first real challenge could come in Week 3, when the Jets host Cincinnati, who feature Sando Tier 1 QB Joe Burrow and the receiving duo of Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase. They combined for 2,546 yards and 19 touchdowns last season.
If Sauce holds his own against the Bengals, he could truly be something special.
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