Sauce Gardner wins AFC Defensive Player of the Week, giving Jets back-to-back award wins
For the second consecutive week, a New York Jets player has been recognized as the AFC Defensive Player of the Week.
After his incredible performance against the Denver Broncos, Jets cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner has won the award for Week 7. Gardner follows teammate Quinnen Williams, who was recognized in Week 6.
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Gardner was targeted 10 times by Broncos. He responded with 10 tackles and three passes defended, which tied for the team lead alongside CB D.J. Reed. According to Pro Football Focus, Gardner posted an incredible 90.2 grade against the Broncos and has an 81.2 overall grade for the season.
Furthermore, Gardner allowed just 16 yards on four catches and allowed a QB rating of 47.9 in the victory.
"He's doing a heck of a job," Jets head coach Robert Saleh said after the game. "He had a play in the first half on [Broncos WR Jerry] Jeudy. He's playing at a very high level and teams are going to test him. The next step he has to take is you've got to take one. He's got to take the ball. Once he starts taking the ball, he will be eliminated from progression. The same thing for D.J. [Reed]. Both of our corners played lights out today and so really, really excited about this."
The Jets drafted Gardner fourth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. This season, Gardner has recorded 33 tackles and one interception. He leads all cornerbacks with 12 passes defended.
"I pride myself on being the best teammate I can be in whatever way," Gardner told the Jets official website. "I knew my teammates were counting on me when the ball was in the air. I just had to step up and make a play."
Gardner is at least one of, if not the favorite, for Defensive Rookie of the Year and Week 7 was just another notch under his belt on that path.
Paste BN Sports+ producer Jaylon Thompson contributed to this report.