Bills have a big decision to make before facing Jets
The Buffalo Bills have learned the same lesson as rival rookie cornerback Sauce Gardner. The New York Jets' first-round draft pick was asked by Newsday about what he had learned so far this season. "That I can go against the best," Gardner answered. He isn't lying. Gardner's curriculum now includes matchups against stars like Ja'Marr Chase, […]
The Buffalo Bills have learned the same lesson as rival rookie cornerback Sauce Gardner. The New York Jets' first-round draft pick was asked by Newsday about what he had learned so far this season.
"That I can go against the best," Gardner answered.
He isn't lying.
Gardner's curriculum now includes matchups against stars like Ja'Marr Chase, Tyreek Hill, and Justin Jefferson among others. For the season, the rookie leads all the NFL in passes defended with 15. He has two interceptions to his name and allows a 44% completion rate (second-lowest among qualifying cornerbacks).
Forget about him being one of the best rookies out there. He's one of the best corners in the league. Period.
Against the Bills in Week 9, it was clear offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey made it a priority to stay away from Gardner. Stefon Diggs lined up in the slot in 49% of his plays, the second most that the star wide receiver has lined up inside all season.
By design, it appeared that the Diggs-Gardner was taken away from fans. But there was one particular exception as the Bills dialed up a special play to target the rookie coming right off the bus.
In the first play of the game, Diggs lined up in the slot before motioning to the other side of the field to match up against Gardner. The star wide receiver pulled off a great double move to get wide open and gain 42 yards in the play. You can see the clip and play design below.
That was the only catch allowed by Gardner all day. Josh Allen and the Bills only targeted him twice the rest of the game, both times looking for Gabe Davis. One of those ended up with an interception in an errant throw by Allen.
Now Bills offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey faces a big decision heading into gameday.
Will the Bills approach Gardner, who might win Defensive Rookie of the Year, the same this weekend after taking an L in Week 9? Or will they decide to go strength vs strength and give us an epic heavyweight match-up in the perimeter?
Personally, I'd love to see the match-up.
That chess battle will be one to watch as the Bills try to get a better result against the Jets this time around. After all, this is a gigantic game for the AFC East and the 1-seed.
Featured image via David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
