As if Sauce Gardner wasn’t good enough as a rookie last season, the flashy cornerback said he’s looking to be even better in 2023 with the New York Jets.

“I’m just trying to dominate,” Gardner said Saturday. “Sky’s the limit for me. That’s how I feel and my teammates feel the same way about me, coaches as well. … Anything that’s possible, I’m trying to achieve it.”

Gardner led the NFL with 20 passes defensed and had a ridiculous 90.0 coverage grade in 2022, per Pro Football Focus. The 23-year-old routinely shut down the top wide receivers in the league week after week, to the point that quarterbacks weren’t testing him as much later in the season.

Gardner was feted after the season, named First Team All-Pro and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. He also was selected to the Pro Bowl.

For an encore this season, Gardner has said it’s his goal to generate more turnovers. He had two interceptions a year ago and the Jets collectively finished with 12, tied for 19th  in the NFL.

“If they throw the ball at me, I’ve got to make the most of the opportunity,” Gardner said.

Article Continues Below
More New York Jets News
New York Jets Head Coach Aaron Glenn, is shown as he speaks during a press conference, at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center, Monday, January 27, 2025, in Florham Park. Glenn spoke about not just getting the Jets to a winning record but to sustain them as a championship caliber team.
Aaron Rodgers’ ouster a sign of things to come for JetsMike Gianakos ·
Isaiah Davis, Jets
2 Jets hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowDouglas Fritz ·
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) is shown after he led Gang Green to a 32-20 victory against the Miami Dolphins.
Steelers, Jets would make Week 1 history if Aaron Rodgers signsBenjamin Adducchio ·
Detroit Lions pass game coordinator Tanner Engstrand watches practice at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025.
New Jets OC Tanner Engstrand gives 5 keys offense is ‘shooting for’Ben Strauss ·
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) warms up before an AFC wild card game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
‘Great’ take by Jets’ Justin Fields will have Bears, Steelers fans raising eyebrowsDouglas Fritz ·
jets, Arian Smith
1 New York Jets rookie who stood out most in 2025 minicamp’Garrett Kerman ·

Sauce Gardner big reason why Jets defense could be ‘historical'

Gardner and veteran D.J. Reed are arguably the top corner duo in the League. Reed had a 77.5 coverage grade last season, per PFF, and tied for third at the position with 70 tackles.

Last week, Reed projected greatness for the Jets defense, not just for the cornerbacks.

“I feel like we have the potential to be the best defense in the NFL, and honestly, I think we can be historical,” Reed said. “Not just the best defense in the League, but I think we can have a historical defense like the 1985-1986 Bears, the LOB [Seattle Seahawks ‘Legion of Boom’] in 2013.”

Gardner, Reed and the Jets D will be tested right away, trying to slow down Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs and the Buffalo Bills on Monday night in Week 1.