New York Jets' star cornerback Sauce Gardner has continued to build his reputation not just with his performance on the field but also with his verbal prowess. Known for his enjoyment of trash talk, Gardner showcased his skills during a recent joint practice session with the New York Giants. It was during this session that Gardner delivered a memorable jab at the Giants after his team scored a touchdown, further solidifying the competitive spirit between the two New York teams.
One of the standout moments of the practice was Gardner’s interactions with Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers. Nabers, who was selected as the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of LSU, managed to impress Gardner. "He nice. He's very sudden when it comes to getting in and out of his breaks. A little Ja'Marr Chase. A little Justin Jefferson. He's going to be a really good player," Gardner commented on the rookie.
The joint practice provided a platform for the Jets to test their mettle against the Giants, and it was clear that the Jets' defense was up to the challenge. Despite the Jets' strong performance, Nabers acknowledged the internal issues the Giants faced. "I mean, they won on the day. Their defense came out, executed well. We beat ourselves today," Nabers conceded, applauding the Jets' defensive capabilities.
The intensity of the practice was further highlighted by a verbal showdown between Gardner and the Giants' starting quarterback, Daniel Jones. This tete-a-tete included moments where Gardner nearly intercepted a pass from Jones. Gardner recounted the play with detail: "I thought I was about to pick him off today. I had a cloud rep. He had looked at the last minute to throw the checkdown to [wide receiver] Wan'Dale [Robinson]. I thought I had him picked, but he kept it [and ran]."
Gardner, never one to shy away from bold statements, speculated on the potential financial decisions the Giants might face regarding Jones. He suggested that cutting Jones in the 2025 offseason could save the team nearly $20 million in cap space. However, on a personal level, Gardner acknowledged Jones' talent in his own distinctive way: "Uh, he's uh, he's uh, he's uh good quarterback, you feel me?"
While the practice was a crucial learning opportunity for the Giants, it also allowed the Jets to assert their dominance. Both teams are using these joint sessions to fine-tune their strategies as they progress through the preseason, aiming to iron out any wrinkles before the regular season kicks off. For the Jets, the chemistry and confidence displayed by Gardner and his defensive unit offer plenty of reasons for optimism.
In conclusion, the joint practice illustrated the level of competitiveness and mutual respect between the two teams. With players like Gardner leading the charge for the Jets, and Nabers showing promise for the Giants, both teams have valuable insights to carry forward. As the preseason continues, the exchanges and experiences from such practices will undoubtedly shape their strategies and performance in the upcoming games.