Pro Football Focus has named Sauce Gardner, Jets Cornerback, to their 2023 All-Pro NFL Team. This is the second straight season that Gardner has made the PFF’s All-Pro team. Gardner, the Jets’ No. 10 pick in the 2022 NFL draft, followed up his Pro Bowl and All-Pro rookie season with a second consecutive selection by the Associated Press.
Sauce Gardner’s Second NFL Season
More to Come
This season, Sauce Gardner started in 16 games, got 11 pass defenses, and registered three tackles for a loss. Pro Football Focus recognized Gardner as one of the top cornerbacks. In addition to his hard work, his exceptional coverage skills in the field have contributed to his achievement. He achieved a maximum grade of 90.8 in his position, which led to him being No. 3 at the cornerback position.
In a week 18 victory over the New England Patriots, Gardner had three solo tackles with one assist. He allowed 29 receptions on 51 targets during his second season with the Jets. In speaking with the media, Gardner stated he’s ready to take the next step as a leader.
“I’m going to pride myself on being a leader even more this offseason. I know what it takes to win. This Year, I’m not settling no matter what,” Sauce Gardner said. The Jets received much preseason attention by acquiring Aaron Rodgers and being on HBO’s “Hard Knocks.” Unfortunately, things didn’t carry over as the Jets finished 7-10, the same record as 2022.
Gardner & Quincy Wiliams Named to Associated Press All-Pro First Team
Gardner and Quincy Williams have been named to the 2023 AP All-Pro First Team. Heading into the season, some had doubts about Gardner following up on his first-year success. Despite being in the early spotlight, Gardner didn’t allow off-field attention to affect his play. In 583 coverage snaps, he allowed 31 completions for 251 yards, averaging 04 yards per coverage snap.
Since 2006, no cornerback has allowed 251 or fewer yards, played around 1,000 defensive snaps, and been targeted 51 or fewer times except for Gardner. Last Year, the NFL named Gardner as the first rookie cornerback since Ronnie Lott in 1981 to earn the title of First-Team For Williams; this is the first selection on the All-Pro team for his career.
Williams started his professional football career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, a third-round draft pick in 2019, before being cut in 2021 after training camp. He spent the last two seasons alongside Lineback C.J. Mosely before jumping into All-Pro status. Williams registered 139 tackles this season, 13th most in the NFL. He also got 15 tackles for loss, tied for 12th most, along with ten passes defended, second-most among Linebackers.
Williams played 1,092 snaps this season, the 8th-most with an 81.1 defensive grade from Pro-Football Focus, the fifth-best among the Linebacker position. In October, Williams became the Defensive Player of the Month. In a 31-21 victory over the Denver Broncos, Williams had nine tackles, two sacks, one tackle for a loss, 3 Quarterback hits, and a forced fumble.
Conclusion
Gardner and Williams continued their outstanding play on the football field throughout the season. Unfortunately, that still didn’t carry over to a successful season, as the Jets finished 7-10 this year. The New York Jets did not make the playoffs this season, but they finished their season with a 17-3 win over the New England Patriots in week 18.
Main Photo Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
