Two of the New York Jets’ best players were recognized by the PFWA on Monday morning
Another day, another award for two of the New York Jets’ best players.
All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner was named to the PFWA All-NFL team, being one of two cornerbacks who made the team. While not making the All-NFL team, defensive tackle Quinnen Williams was named to the All-AFC roster.
Jets CB Sauce Gardner was named to the PFWA All-NFL team. DT Quinnen Williams was selected to the All-AFC team. https://t.co/KPBaeyCErI
— Antwan V. Staley (@antwanstaley) January 22, 2024
Jets CB Sauce Gardner is named to @PFWAwriters All-NFL team for the second year in a row. The full team 👇#Jets pic.twitter.com/j3wCCQnNhg
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) January 22, 2024
Quite frankly, not much more can be said about these two defensive stalwarts that hasn’t been stated already.
Gardner, who is now an AP first-team All-Pro in both of his first two seasons, has solidified himself as one of the benchmarks of the cornerback position in the NFL.
Outside of interceptions, which is not the best way to evaluate cornerback play regardless, the Cincinnati product has excelled. He has only allowed 612 yards, 62 receptions, and two touchdowns on throws into his coverage across two seasons. In 2023, he led qualified cornerbacks in coverage snaps per target (10.8) while placing second in forced incompletion percentage (22%).
Gardner’s excellence has forced teams to shy away from attacking him in coverage. The second-year cornerback only saw 51 targets in 16 games this past season.
Williams has continued his ascension as one of the best defensive players in football. He constantly caused havoc for defenses in the run game, looking borderline unblockable at times. And while not generating the lofty sack numbers from 2022, his high pressure rate helped open things up for the team’s edge rushers. Williams ranked third among defensive tackles with 70 total pressures, 18 more than he had in 2022.
The Jets need to make more additions on the offensive side of the ball to reach the heights they desire with Aaron Rodgers. Luckily for New York, their defense offers the team a strong baseline. Led by Gardner and Williams, the defense will set a sturdy foundation for the team going forward.
