Steelers vs. Jets in Week 1 is shaping up to be a revenge game for the ages — but not for CB Sauce Gardner, who’s looking forward to facing Aaron Rodgers, a former teammate he holds in high regard. The Jets cornerback isn’t treating the season opener as a reunion, though — he’s ready to crack the Rodgers puzzle.
Appearing on Wednesday’s episode of The Pat McAfee Show, Gardner discussed his relationship with Rodgers — and hinted at what he’s been working on for their Week 1 showdown:
“I don’t care what people say about [Rodgers], he’s a phenomenal person,” Gardner said. “I remember when he first got to New York, we went to dinner, and I just got to, like, pick his brain — in terms of stuff like as a football player, tendencies that I could give to make him know if I’m playing man or zone, or what I’m doing — stuff like that. When I got on the field, it’s just so much that he’s taught me as a player…
“I’m looking forward to [playing Rodgers Week 1], because it’s like, he might think he knows all the tendencies that I had, but this offseason has really been me trying not to give anything away. I’ve been trying to work on literally everything, because I already know I’m about to go against a wizard, Week 1.”
Gardner is one of the best young cornerbacks in the league — but if there’s anyone who could spot his tells and test the warning not to rely on old tendencies, it’s Rodgers, a four-time MVP and 20-year veteran.
The Steelers will face off against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 7 at 1:00 PM EST — but until then, follow along with our countdown to kickoff, posted daily.
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