Should I Start Ahmad Gardner?

Monday, July 28, 6:31 PM

New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner only covered an opponent's top receiver a handful of times each season in the team' previous zone-based defensive scheme, although he's quietly yearned for more of those chances. According to ESPN's Rich Cimini, Gardner said he could get many more chances to cover a WR1 in the new defensive scheme, which is expected to rely heavily on man-to-man coverage. In addition to trying to lock down another star wideout more, Gardner might get more blitzing opportunities under new defensive-minded head coach Aaron Glenn. Opposing QBs don't often target Gardner's side of the field, but that could change if he's guarding more top wideouts, which in turn could lead to more pass-breakup and interception opportunities for the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. Tackling hasn't really been his forte, but Gardner's coverage skills are elite.