Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner sits out crucial drive due to fatigue

During the New York Jets' season opener against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night, cornerback Sauce Gardner sat out a crucial defensive drive due to fatigue. This decision sparked outrage among Jets fans, who were already frustrated with the team's poor performance, which included giving up eight consecutive scoring possessions. Gardner's absence came as 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy executed a flawless drive, leading to questions about why a key player was not on the field to help stop the opposing offense. After the game, Gardner explained that he needed to catch his breath following a tackle, stating that he was not injured. However, his claim of needing nine plays to recover raised eyebrows among fans, who speculated whether his lack of preseason snaps contributed to his fatigue. Some fans suggested that Gardner's absence might have been a punishment for missed tackles earlier in the game. Despite returning just before halftime, Gardner's time on the sidelines proved detrimental, as the 49ers capitalized on the Jets' defensive lapses. The Jets entered halftime trailing 16-7, and the team struggled to regain momentum in the second half. The situation highlighted the challenges faced by the Jets, particularly under head coach Robert Saleh, as they appeared unprepared and outmatched against a formidable opponent. Ultimately, the Jets' performance raised concerns about their readiness for the season, with fans expressing frustration over the team's inability to compete effectively. The incident with Gardner underscored the importance of player conditioning and the potential consequences of limited preseason play.