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New York Jets close preseason 3-0 31-27 win over New York Giants On Sunday night, and after the game, head coach Robert Saleh finally put an end to the question of who would round out the starting cornerback position: Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner.
“He will be our first week starter.” Saleh told reporters during his post-game presser. “He’s been great. Bryce Hall has had a very good training camp as well, but at the same time given his overall work since the OTA, it’s clear this kid is going to be a lot better.”
Ahead of Saleh’s announcement, the 2022 fourth overall draft pick spoke to Fox News Digital about both his preseason appearances and his comfort level on the field.
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“I just had to take my time and keep taking it. I had to stay focused and not get myself ahead of myself too much. That’s what they expect of me, and that’s why they drafted me.”
He continued:
A three-time All-American Athletic Conference first-team selection, the Cincinnati standout had 31 tackles in 14 games and returned two of his three interceptions for a touchdown as a freshman.
The following season, he recorded 28 stops in nine games before finishing his final season with the Bearcats with 40 tackles, 3 interceptions and 4 pass breakups, earning AAC Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Gardner, already well known for his confidence on the field, told Fox News Digital:
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Helping him along the way is Surrey, who has consistently praised Gardner throughout training camp and preseason.of Former Cincinnati standout He said he was grateful to have a head coach with a Saleh background.
“It’s been great, how it is in Cincinnati with Luke Fickel’s coach,” explained Gardner. “The head coach just comes in and he knows all about what’s going on… [him] Being a defensive coach is a whole different feeling. he knows exactly what he’s talking about. Like a defensive coordinator, he knows what everyone should do. He used to be a defense coordinator, so it makes sense.
Despite the Jets’ success Ahead of Week 1’s game against the Baltimore Ravens, their roster has been hit noticeably hard with injuries that could sideline quarterback Zach Wilson due to the season opener and an offensive tackle. patella.
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“We had to take better care of our bodies,” Gardner told Fox News Digital of the injury. Make sure everyone is taking care of their bodies because no one knows what will happen.It’s kind of a coincidence. we know.”
Still, the Jets haven’t missed a beat. A lot of that has to do with team chemistry, according to the rookie.
“We have developed a brotherhood and have done a lot on and off the field. We’ve developed a bond. And I feel that’s why we can go out on the field to dominate because we know we’re doing it for each other.
Gardner earned a starting position over the weekend, but he told Fox News Digital he has yet to earn his famous nickname.
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“No, it’s still Ahmad,” he said with a smile. “But I have no problem with that. I love my name.”
The nickname Sauce, first given to him by a Little League coach at the age of six, has turned into something more for the 21-year-old rookie. He partnered with the Buffalo Wild Wings to create their own limited edition sauce called “Sauce Sauce”.
A “natural” fit, as Gardner puts it.
“Just being able to have this partnership with Buffalo Wild Wings is such a blessing. I feel like it was meant to be. If you don’t get the source, you lose.”