Lost in the greatness of Sauce: Jets' Gardner rising to top of CB tier

In his preseason rankings, NFL.com analyst David Carr ranked J.C. Jackson (Chargers), Jalen Ramsey (Rams), and Xavien Howard (Miami) as the league's best three cornerbacks. No rookies made the list. 

Through six games, Jets rookie Sauce Gardner is already cementing a spot high on Carr's 2023 list. If QBs are "terrified" to throw at Jackson, per Carr in the preseason, how will they feel about Gardner next season?

Numbers don't lie. 

Gardner leads the league in passes defended (12). He has allowed one reception for six yards on 40 snaps in man coverage. Among the 62 cornerbacks with at least 30 snaps in man coverage, that was the fewest allowed, according to Next Gen Stats.

In Week 7 against the Broncos, Gardner -- the most recent AFC Defensive Player of the Week -- allowed three receptions for eight yards on nine targets. In Week 6 against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, Gardner allowed one catch for eight yards on seven targets. 

Jets head coach Robert Saleh dares QBs to throw at his prized rookie.