It’s been a nightmare season for the New York Jets, and their 3-7 record is proof. In Week 10 of the 2024 NFL season, the New York team succumbed to a brutal 31-6 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. After that, interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich brought things back to basics with a tackling presentation and full-pads practice.
Sauce Gardner Finds Himself on Receiving End of Jets Fans
Ulbrich’s move aims to fix a defense plagued by missed tackles all season. He said, “We’re going to get back to fundamentals. I did a tackling presentation for the team today, not just the defense.”
The Jets will practice in full pads this week in order to work on their tackling pic.twitter.com/hp5lkR1evE
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) November 13, 2024
But not everyone on the team was on board, namely cornerback Sauce Gardner, who publicly dismissed the need for such measures. “We know how to tackle. We’ve got to make the tackles. That’s really it. We’ve been doing it. It’s simple. We really don’t need any presentation,” Gardner said.
Jets HC Jeff Ulbrich did a tackling presentation to the team after they missed 20 tackles vs. the #AZCardinals.
Sauce Gardner was NOT a fan of this…
"We know how to tackle. We gotta make tackles…We really don't need no presentations."pic.twitter.com/88YiPPP91w
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) November 15, 2024
However, the CB’s remarks didn’t sit well with fans. Social media quickly erupted with criticism. One fan snapped, “If he knows how to tackle, then he’s just being soft in the games.”
Another chimed in, “Make some tackles then, princess. This attitude is losing Sauce with the fans.”
Another said: “When you miss 20 tackles as a team, your opinion on what you think you need isn’t necessary.”
One fan posted a meme and wrote: “Sauce Gardner when it’s time to make a tackle.”
Sauce Gardner when it’s time to make a tackle. pic.twitter.com/uQELQG3DoO
— Faceoff Sports Network (@FFfaceoff) November 15, 2024
“Maybe he needs to do an iq test cause he’s stupid if he think he knows how to tackle,” tweeted another.
One NFL enthusiast wrote, “No Sauce. The video says you in fact do not know how to tackle. The fact that he’s not open to coaching or accountability says everything you need to know about the culture over there.”
“Sauce is one more tackling drill away from becoming a professional golfer,” joked another.
Fans also pointed out the glaring irony — Gardner has struggled with tackling this season. The sentiment from Jets faithful was clear: Accountability and effort need to improve if Ulbrich and his men hope to salvage their season.
The defense, which was supposed to be the team’s strength, has been a massive disappointment. Missed tackles and poor execution have frustrated fans and questioned the team’s culture.
There’s no denying Gardner’s talent as a cornerback, but his resistance to coaching and criticism raises concerns about leadership within the locker room. Ulbrich, juggling head coach and defensive coordinator duties, is trying to steady a sinking ship, but it might be too late.
The Jets host the Indianapolis Colts (4-6) this Sunday in a game that could end any remaining playoff hopes. However, one thing’s for sure: Jets fans will be watching closely, and they won’t hold back if the tackling woes continue.