Breaking news: Jets Interim HC Send a Clear Message to Sauce Gardner Regarding the Dolphins Clash.
In almost every scenario, it’s challenging to defend Miami Dolphins wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. For a cornerback who isn’t fully recovered, like Sauce Gardner of the New York Jets, it’s considerably more difficult going into Week 14.
However, Jeff Ulbrich, the Jets’ interim head coach, attempted to deconstruct the situation by sending Gardner a media message about the Dolphins matchup. That message was that it’s not a smart idea to play as a cornerback against the Dolphins at less than 100%.
Ulbrich told reporters, via SNY, “I think he plays the position and we’re playing an opponent that you can’t play with a poor hamstring.”
So, we’ll wait and see. We’ll let him play if he’s in a good mood and eager to rock and roll. Otherwise, we don’t want him playing this game at half speed.
The club is still determining how serious Gardner’s hamstring issue is, Ulbrich continued.
Due to a hamstring problem, the 24-year-old had to leave Week 13 against the Seattle Seahawks. Gardner has already had an MRI, even though his condition is still being evaluated.
Jets CB Sauce Gardner Might Miss the Game in Week 14
Given the extended hiatus following Miami’s most recent loss and the negative media coverage of the club, many Dolphins supporters likely found it refreshing to hear such positive remarks about Miami’s offense.
Of course, it’s hard to play cornerback against any team in the NFL with a hamstring injury. However, Ulbrich’s remark to Gardner seemed to imply that the Dolphins’ quick receivers make them a far more formidable opponent.
Perhaps the league’s quickest receiving tandem is made up of Hill and Waddle. Both wide receivers averaged over 14 yards per reception throughout the previous season.
Tua Tagovailoa, the quarterback, missed four games this season, which contributed significantly to the decline in those statistics. However, Waddle and Hill are both on track to reach at least 850 receiving yards in 2024.
Jonnu Smith, a tight end, is also having a stellar season. He is tied for second place with four receiving touchdowns and leads the Dolphins with 58 receptions.
In both of his first two NFL seasons, Gardner was named to the first team All-Pro. He isn’t playing as well this season, according on the Pro Football Focus player grades. However, among cornerbacks who have participated in at least 80% of his team’s defensive snaps this season, Gardner is still placed in the top 8 by PFF.
Gardner is likely superior to many starting NFL cornerbacks, even when he is not playing at his best. Ulbrich, however, says it’s not the match to test that.
The Dolphins want to maintain their dominance over the Jets.
The Dolphins have recently had a lot of success against the Jets, even with Gardner on the field. Since Gardner entered the league, Miami has a 3-1 record against New York.
In the previous 13 meetings in the rivalry, the Dolphins have an 11-2 record versus the Jets. Since 2015, the Jets have failed to win in Miami.
If Gardner plays, the Jets will theoretically have a far greater chance of changing the course of the rivalry. However, unless he can demonstrate that he won’t be a liability against the Dolphins’ quick receivers, it appears he won’t.
In two games against the Jets last season, Hill and Waddle combined for 25 receptions, 358 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. Hill was absent from one of the two games as well.
