Raiders Must Account for Jets Star CB Gardner

The Las Vegas Raiders are coming off their best offensive performance of the season. They want to keep that momentum going as they welcome the New York Jets to Allegiant Stadium for a Sunday Night Football game.

The Jets have had one of the best defenses in the NFL this season, as Coach Robert Saleh and his defensive staff have been able to get the most out of the talent they have on the roster, and there is a lot of it.

One of those players is star cornerback Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, who has quickly emerged as one of the best cornerbacks in the league in just his second season.

Gardner was selected with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Cincinnati, where he did not allow a touchdown in coverage over his entire career. In his rookie season, Gardner allowed only 45 percent of passes to be completed in coverage for 361 yards and a touchdown, according to Pro Football Focus.

In his rookie season, Gardner made 75 total tackles, three tackles for losses, had a league-leading 20 passes defended and two interceptions. Gardner was named Defensive Rookie of the Year, as he and his teammate, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, earned that honor on their respective sides of the ball.

Gardner is 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds with a long and well-built frame that allows him to size up with his opponent. He has good speed to stay stride for stride downfield, and he is incredibly cerebral, rarely getting fooled by a quarterback’s eyes or a wide receiver’s double move.

While he has not had much of a statistical impact this season, Gardner is still as sticky in coverage as ever.

Gardner will draw the match-up with Raiders All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams, which should be a great battle between two of the league’s best at their positions. This will be the first time Gardner and Adams will face off, and they will be sure to get the best of each other.

As the Raiders and rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell look to keep the offense rolling, they will need to know where Gardner is on the field at all times, and avoid throwing his way.

The Raiders are facing one of the top young cornerbacks in the league, and if they are not careful, Gardner will make his impact felt on the game.

The Silver and Black will remain at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas to take on the New York Jets on Sunday, Nov. 12, at 8:20 p.m. EST/5:20 p.m. PST.

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