The New York Jets topped 31 points for only the second time since 2022, but it wasn’t enough in a season-opening loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pouring salt on the fresh wound was the fact that former Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers tossed four touchdowns in the 34-32 defeat.
Speaking to the media following the rough loss, All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner spoke bluntly about his unit’s performance while emphasizing the importance of complementing Gang Green’s offense.
“[The] reality is us, as a defense, the guys that have been here aren’t really used to the offense putting that many points up,” Gardner told reporters. “As a defense, we’ve got to just complement the offense when they’re doing certain things.”
Rodgers aside, Gardner also said the defense allowing four passing touchdowns on Sunday was “unacceptable”.
“It’s not just a Rodgers thing; it’s a quarterback in general,” Sauce added. “You said he had four throwing touchdowns? That’s unacceptable. As a defense, [we have] to be better.”
Much of the Jets’ secondary struggles stemmed from cornerback Brandon Stephens, who signed a three-year, $36 million deal in the offseason.
Targeted seven times in Week 1, he allowed five catches for 60 yards and two touchdowns, was flagged for defensive pass interference, and gave up an abysmal 136.9 passer rating when targeted.
By contrast, Gardner opened the 2025 season in dominant form, surrendering only one completion for 11 yards, a bizarre tip-drill fluke that landed in DK Metcalf’s hands. He otherwise blanketed Rodgers’ targets and finished without a missed tackle.
Still, Sauce Gardner’s strong outing was overshadowed by costly lapses that led to four Pittsburgh Steelers touchdowns. With Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills’ explosive offense up next on the schedule, the New York Jets know they must find consistency on the back end to avoid a 0-2 start.