NFL Hall of Famer has high praise for Jets' newest defensive star

Former New York Jets cornerback, and 2023 Hall of Famer, Darrelle Revis sees a lot of himself in Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner, the team's newest defensive superstar.

Revis told TMZ Sports that Gardner is like a "2.0" version of him and that he loves the way he plays and can be the focal point of the Jets' defense in the years ahead.

Gardner was the Jets' top pick in the 2022 class, going No. 4 overall from the University of Cincinnati. Gardner wasted no time in making an immediate impact for a Jets defense that was one of the best in the NFL. 

Gardner was not only the NFL's defensive rookie of the year, he also earned First=Team All-Pro honors.

He finished the season with 76 total tackles and two interceptions for the Jets. 

New York's defense was the strength of its team in 2022 and kept the team in the playoff hunt until late in the season. With better offensive play, especially at quarterback, the Jets would have been a playoff team. Given the skill position players they have on offense, finding a quarterback might be the final piece they need to end their playoff drought next season. 

The Jets have not made the playoffs since the 2010 season when Revis was leading their defense. They finally have some of the pieces in place to get back there, and just like they did with Revis they have an elite shutdown corner to help carry the defense.