The New York Jets are setting high expectations for their star cornerback, Sauce Gardner, as they enter the 2025 NFL season. With a new defensive coordinator, Steve Wilks, at the helm, the team is challenging Gardner to refine his skills and achieve a level of consistency that matches his early career success.

Early Career Success

Gardner burst onto the NFL scene with the speed and precision of a Formula 1 car. Drafted fourth overall in 2022, he quickly made a name for himself by winning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award and earning first-team All-Pro honors in his first two seasons. This feat placed him in elite company, alongside legends like Lawrence Taylor and Micah Parsons.

Challenges in Year 3

However, the 2024 season proved to be a challenging one for Gardner and the Jets. The team finished with a disappointing 5-12 record, and Gardner's performance saw a noticeable dip. According to Next Gen Stats, he ranked 47th out of 52 corners in EPA (Expected Points Added) per target, a stark contrast to his top-tier rankings in previous seasons.

Pushing for Perfection

Despite the setbacks, Gardner remains optimistic. "I know I'm not perfect, but the fact that he's trying to get perfection out of me is what I need," Gardner said, referring to Wilks' relentless push for improvement. The new defensive coordinator has emphasized the importance of consistency and dominance on a week-to-week basis, leveraging Gardner's physical attributes—his 6-foot-3 frame, 33½-inch arms, and 4.41-second 40-yard dash speed.

Leadership and Growth

In addition to on-field performance, Gardner is also focusing on becoming a more influential leader in the locker room. New head coach Aaron Glenn, a former Pro Bowl cornerback himself, has been mentoring Gardner on authentic leadership. "When you do lead, just let your influence do all the talking," Glenn advised.

Looking Ahead

As the Jets negotiate a contract extension that could make Gardner the highest-paid player at his position, the young cornerback is determined to bounce back. With a shift towards more man-to-man coverage under Glenn's pressure-minded scheme, Gardner aims to increase his interception tally and solidify his legacy as one of the best cornerbacks in NFL history.

Gardner's journey is a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence in the NFL. The Jets' faith in his potential underscores their commitment to building a championship-caliber team around their star defender.