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yesterday

Sauce Gardner’s Shutdown Opener Puts Focus on Jets’ Week 2 Test vs. Josh Allen

After holding DK Metcalf to 11 yards, the All-Pro cornerback says facing Buffalo’s MVP quarterback is a battle he does not enjoy.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 07: Sauce Gardner #1 of the New York Jets gets into a altercation with DK Metcalf #4 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game at MetLife Stadium on September 07, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
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Jul 23, 2025; Florham Park, NY, USA; New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) participates in a drill during training camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

Overview

  • Per Pro Football Focus, Gardner earned a 90.5 coverage grade in Week 1, allowing 11 yards on four targets with two forced incompletions.
  • The Jets lost their opener 34–32 to the Steelers, and Gardner said the secondary needs to be better as the team prioritizes results over individual performances.
  • Head coach Aaron Glenn praised Gardner’s work versus DK Metcalf, highlighting his coverage and contribution in run support.
  • Gardner shadowed Metcalf on 88.2% of their snaps together, continuing a role that increased from a 34.9% shadow rate in 2023 to 42.3% in 2024.
  • Looking to Week 2 at MetLife Stadium, Gardner described facing Josh Allen as “always a battle,” while the Jets cut returner Xavier Gipson and signed Isaiah Williams.