Jets' Sauce Gardner Shines in Joint Practice, Delivers Verbal Jabs to Giants
The New York Jets' star cornerback, Sauce Gardner, showcased his well-known prowess in both technique and trash talk during a recent joint practice session with the New York Giants. Gardner, never one to shy away from a bit of verbal sparring, left a memorable impression as the Jets' defense held their ground and demonstrated their strength.
The practice session featured a standout moment when Gardner delivered a sharp jab at the Giants following a Jets touchdown. However, it wasn't all talk for Gardner, who put on an impressive performance, enhancing his reputation as one of the league's elite cornerbacks.
Highlighting the young talent in the Giants' camp, rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, who was selected sixth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft out of LSU, managed to catch Gardner's eye. Gardner expressed his admiration for Nabers, saying, "He nice. He's very sudden when it comes to getting in and out of his breaks. A little Ja'Marr Chase. A little Justin Jefferson. He's going to be a really good player."
The practice was not without its challenges for the Giants. The team acknowledged the formidable performance of the Jets' defense. "I mean, they won on the day. Their defense came out, executed well. We beat ourselves today," remarked Nabers. This sentiment was echoed across the Giants' camp as they reflected on their areas for improvement.
An intriguing subplot of the practice was the verbal showdown between Gardner and the Giants' starting quarterback, Daniel Jones. Gardner, known for his candidness, reflected on the encounter by offering a somewhat tepid endorsement of Jones: "Uh, he's uh, he's uh, he's uh good quarterback, you feel me?"
Despite the banter, Gardner's on-field actions illustrated his competitive edge. He came tantalizingly close to intercepting a pass from Jones during the practice session. "I thought I was about to pick him off today. I had a cloud rep. He had looked at the last minute to throw the checkdown to [wide receiver] Wan'Dale [Robinson]. I thought I had him picked, but he kept it [and ran]," said Gardner.
Looking beyond the immediate events of the practice, Gardner speculated on the Giants' future roster decisions. Noting the financial implications, he pondered the potential savings for the Giants if they were to cut Jones in the 2025 offseason. According to Gardner, such a move could save the team nearly $20 million in cap space, a point that underscores the ongoing evaluations happening behind the scenes.
For both the Jets and the Giants, the joint practice served as more than just a series of drills and plays. It was a valuable learning experience, providing each team with insights and opportunities to fine-tune their strategies as they edge closer to the regular season. While the Giants grappled with self-inflicted errors, the Jets capitalized on the chance to assert their dominance, reputably anchored by Gardner's standout efforts.
As the preseason progresses, both teams will continue to build and adapt, aiming to refine their tactics and elevate their game. Gardner's blend of skill and swagger undoubtedly set the tone during the joint practice, leaving a lasting impression on teammates and rivals alike.