Jets Issue Three-Word Challenge To Sauce Gardner That Should Scare NFL Quarterbacks

Sauce Gardner has established himself as arguably the best defensive back in football over the first two years of his career. As training camp gets underway with the kickoff of the 2024 season looming, though, the New York Jets believe their star corner can get even better.

Coach Robert Saleh kept it simple with reporters on Saturday when asked how New York challenges Gardner to level up in his third NFL go-around.

"Catch the ball," Saleh said, per Andy Vasquez of NJ Advance Media.

Gardner, the No. 4 overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, has been an impact player for the Jets from the moment he stepped on the field. He was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2022 and earned a second consecutive First Team All-Pro selection last season.

Gardner's ability to blanket receivers across the field and disrupt passes sent his direction is peerless league-wide. But he's snagged just two interceptions in his career despite deflecting 31 total throws, an indication the Cincinnati alum has left at least a handful of would-be picks on the field.

Look for Gardner to try to make more plays on the ball in 2024. Just don't be surprised if he fails to garner more interceptions despite that pointed extra aggression, though, as opposing teams grow ever-wary of throwing anywhere near the NFL's stickiest cover man.

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