The New York Jets are demanding perfection from cornerback Sauce Gardner, and he’s embracing the challenge.

With a new staff in place under head coach Aaron Glenn and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, Gardner has a fresh opportunity to elevate his game.

At Gardner’s first meeting with his new defensive coordinator, expectations were made crystal clear.

“I know I’m not perfect, but the fact that [Steve is] trying to get perfection out of me is what I need because, you know, I’ve had a lot of success, early success in the league,” Gardner said, via ESPN. “And the last thing I need is a new regime to come in here and just allow me to be complacent. I’m not saying that’s who I am, but it’s great to just have those type of guys that are going to demand a lot out of me and just push me in ways that I’ve never been pushed before.”

Gardner’s trajectory took an unexpected turn in 2024.

After being named a first-team All-Pro in his first two seasons, he slipped to 47th in EPA per target among 52 qualifying corners last year.

That marked a dramatic fall from his top-two rookie ranking. Penalties became more frequent as well, with nine accepted flags last season compared to just seven combined in his first two campaigns.

The numbers tell one story, but Gardner refuses to accept any narrative about his decline.

Contract extension talks continue, positioning him to potentially become the highest-paid cornerback in the league.

His focus remains on resetting expectations under Wilks’ demanding approach.

The coordinator’s intensity could be exactly what Gardner needs to reclaim his elite status and rescue his career trajectory.

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