Jets' Sauce Gardner Gets Strong Praise From Veteran Coaches
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- When he is at the top of his game, New York Jets All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner is the best in the league.
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The former fourth overall pick was the first defensive back in NFL history to be named a first-team All-Pro in his first two seasons. After a strong start to his career, though, Gardner struggled last season.
He was still a Pro Bowl player but was penalized more for his aggressive style and struggled to tackle throughout the 2024 campaign.
Under a new coaching staff, Gardner's expectations are back to where they were after 2023.
Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks believes he can get the most out of their new star.
"It's so many things that I feel like Sauce can do," Wilks said. "Again, the word consistent. He's been a Pro Bowl player...How consistent can he be to take it to another level?
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"And that's one of the things that I challenged him on day one when we had our conversation."
It's important to remember that Gardner's worse season was still pretty damn good compared to other players in his position.
If he can reduce the penalties and improve his tackling, Gardner should be expected to return to his All-Pro status. According to Wilks, that is precisely what the team expects out of him.
And what Gardner expects out of himself.
Few cornerbacks in the NFL have the kind of frame that Gardner is working with. Wilks commented about that on Wednesday as part of why consistency is such a focus for the All-Pro this year.
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If Gardner can return to that status in 2023, the Jets' defense will continue to be one of the best in football.
Related: Jets Emphasize Key Part of Mandatory Minicamp
Related: Jets Continue To Be Pleased With First-Round Pick
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
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