New York Jets' star cornerback Sauce Gardner has long been known for his defensive prowess and enjoyment of trash talk, traits that were on full display during a recent joint practice with the New York Giants. Gardner, never one to hold back, delivered a memorable jab to the Giants after his team scored a touchdown. The highlight, however, was not just his words but his interactions and near-miss plays on the field, providing a glimpse of the intense rivalry and competitive spirit that fuels the NFL preseason.
At the center of Gardner's attention was Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, who caught Gardner's eye during the joint practice. Nabers, selected as the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of LSU, has already begun turning heads in the league. "He's 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," remarked Gardner, drawing comparisons to some of the league's elite.
The practice session proved to be a challenging one for the Giants. The Jets' defense showcased their dominance, prompting Nabers to acknowledge, "I mean, they won on the day. Their defense came out, executed well. We beat ourselves today." Indeed, the Giants admitted that they were their own worst enemy during the practice, a sentiment echoed by many on the team as they continue to refine their strategies and build chemistry.
Another notable encounter during the session was the verbal showdown between Gardner and Giants' starting quarterback, Daniel Jones. The competitive spirit was palpable as Gardner nearly intercepted a pass from Jones. Reflecting on the play, Gardner explained, "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, known for his confidence and candid nature, didn't shy away from speculating on Jones' future with the Giants. He pointed out that if the Giants were to cut Jones in the 2025 offseason, it could save the team nearly $20 million in cap space, adding an intriguing layer to the competition and conversation surrounding the Giants' quarterback situation.
The joint practice not only served as a platform for Gardner and the Jets to assert their dominance but also as a significant learning opportunity for the Giants. Both teams used the session to fine-tune their playbooks and bolster their rosters, important steps as the preseason progresses. The intensity and competitive spirit exhibited during the practice are reflective of the broader atmosphere across the league, where every practice snap and play carries weight in preparation for the upcoming season.
With the preseason in full swing, the joint practice was a reminder of the electric energy and high stakes present even outside of regular-season games. The interactions between Gardner, Jones, Nabers, and the rest epitomize the blend of talent, strategy, and rivalry that make the NFL so captivating.