NFL Week 1: Can Jets' Sauce Gardner shutdown 49ers' WR Brandon Aiyuk?

The New York Jets ranked No. 1 in the NFL in opponents pass yards allowed per game last season while playing in an AFC East division with some of the top passing offenses.

All-pro defensive back Sauce Gardner knows that in week 1 he cannot allow San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to get loose.

After strenuous hours of training throughout the summer, the Jets are ready to show the world why their defense continues to received so many accolades after 2023. Consider, their pass defense could be even more powerful seeing that they’ve spent countless hours getting reps against hall of fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Winning at the line of scrimmage will be very important for Aiyuk if he plans on shaking off the physical engagement Gardner likes to bring. Gardner is relentless at the point of attack often times forcing wide receivers to the sideline or jamming them at the line of scrimmage. Aiyuk is quick and nimble but he did miss most of training camp vying for a new contract.

After a huge pay day, Aiyuk must prove himself elite versus arguably the best cornerback in the NFL. Gardner and Aiyuk will be a matchup to watch for on Monday Night Football in week 1.