Chargers HC praises NY Jets’ Sauce Gardner ahead of MNF

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley had nothing but praise for the New York Jets’ star cornerback

Speaking to the media on Friday, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley had high praise for the New York Jets defense leading up to their Week 9 matchup on Monday Night Football. Specifically, Staley had heavy praise for second-year cornerback Sauce Gardner.

“[The Jets] got good team speed,” started the Chargers head coach. “In the secondary, they play well together. Sauce Gardner, he’s turned into one of the top corners in the league. In terms of play style they play hard too. [They are a] well-coached team.”

The Chargers head coach would go on to specifically praise the All-Pro cornerback himself.

“[Gardner has] real size and length,” explained Staley. “For someone that’s tall like Sauce is, he’s got real movement and change of direction … He’s established himself as one of the top corners in the game.”

Staley isn’t the first coach to call out Gardner for his standout performances, and he’s unlikely to be the last. After starting his NFL career by winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year award, Gardner hasn’t let off the gas going into his second season.

Gardner and the rest of the Jets’ starting cornerbacks have been incredible so far this season. All three members of the Jets’ cornerback trio rank among the top of the league in terms of both prevented separation and prevented targets.

A look at how well CBs have done preventing separation (all coverage snaps included) and how often they're targeted. pic.twitter.com/9NJuMq2uDK

— Jrfortgang (@throwthedamball) November 2, 2023

Despite the great start, this matchup won’t be an easy task for the Jets’ secondary. The Chargers’ passing attack boasts the fourth-highest EPA per dropback, with quarterback Justin Herbert playing well despite multiple injuries around him (and one to his non-throwing hand).

Offensive Performance by EPA Pass and Rushinghttps://t.co/fpwpNXWWEU pic.twitter.com/JqvchfYY2Q

— TexansCap (@TexansCap) November 2, 2023

The outcome in Week 9 will have a significant impact on the Jets and Chargers’ playoff hopes this season. For Gang Green and Sauce Gardner, the burden lies on the defense to stop a dynamic passing attack.