12 September 2023 , 15:03
523
0
New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner was very critical of his performance against the Buffalo Bills, as he revealed he didn't take care of himself before the start of the 2023 season.
The Jets defense was on point against the Bills, refusing to let Josh Allen control the game after Aaron Rodgers left the field with a suspected Achilles injury. Jordan Whitehead made three interceptions on the night and only Stefon Diggs managed to breach their defense, but Gardner was still unhappy.
The 2022 Defensive Rookie of the Year was humbled by Diggs on numerous occasions, as the Bills wide receiver left the field with 102 yards and one touchdown from 12 receptions, and Gardner looked disappointed in himself while the Jets locker room celebrated a huge win.
The Jets won 22-16 after overtime thanks to a stunning 65-yard punt-return touchdown from undrafted rookie Xavier Gipson. But Gardner addressed the media and revealed a surprise lack of preparation.
"I was tired and my legs were heavy," Gardner said as he recalled a number of plays against the Bills. "I need to take better care of myself, I didn't prepare in the right way."
Joe Burrow backs Patrick Mahomes after Kansas City Chiefs reach Super Bowl
Gardner remains a huge fan favourite after his breakthrough rookie season, but it wasn't the type of performance that the Jets faithful have been used to seeing at MetLife Stadium. It was a strange night for the Jets, but they showed courage when things could easily have ended in disappointment.
After just four minutes Rodgers' debut came to an end, and his season may already be over as he was carted off to the locker room. The quarterback was sacked by Leonard Floyd on his opening drive, and replays showed a concerning injury to his Achilles.
Aaron Rodgers could be out for the season with an Achilles injury (AP)Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes knows all about ankle problems, after his 2022 postseason almost ended after suffering a high-ankle sprain. The Chiefs quarterback managed to battle through the pain and lead them to another Super Bowl victory, but Rodgers' situation appears to be more severe.
While watching on from his home in Kansas, Mahomes tweeted: "Hate that, man… Praying for the best." And prayers were happening all around the Jets locker room, even from head coach Robert Saleh who admitted that it's "not good" for Rodgers after he went for an MRI scan.
"I'm going to say a prayer and hold out hope," Saleh added when speaking to reporters after the game. Zach Wilson will return to his starting role in Rodgers' absence, but after a huge win in Week 1 their playoff ambitions may not be over even without the four-time MVP.