Sauce Gardner 'looking forward' to facing Stefon Diggs in season opener

Sauce Gardner isn’t afraid of a challenge. His challenge in the season opener just happens to be All-Pro wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Gardner said on a recent episode of “The Pivot Podcast.” “I did it a couple of times and I’ve got to get used to it now because we’re in the same division. I’m looking forward to it.”

In Gardner’s rookie season, the New York Jets faced the Buffalo Bills and Diggs twice. On the first occasion, Gardner held Diggs to a standard performance. On Nov. 6, 2022, Diggs recorded five receptions on 10 targets for 93 yards, just four more than his season average.

Gardner seemingly learned from his first run-in with the three-time Pro Bowler. When the teams met again on Dec. 11, 2022, Diggs made just three receptions for 37 yards and zero touchdowns. Obvious improvement from Gardner.

While the 6-foot-3 cornerback doesn’t shy away from squaring up with top talent, he doesn’t force his way in front of it.

“I don’t try to step on toes. For me, you got a guy like [New York Jets cornerback] DJ Reed, who can shut another side down. It’s just like, ‘I got my side. You got your side. Let’s do it,'” Gardner said. “They know where I’m going to be at. They know I’m the left corner. I’m not really hiding over there.”

Whatever Gardner is doing, it’s working. The Detroit native was the 2022 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. In 17 games, Gardner recorded two interceptions, 20 defended passes and 75 tackles. Set to earn a base salary of $870,000 in 2023, Gardner has even higher expectations in 2023.

Those expectations come with a fearless attitude, especially when it comes to facing down the top receivers in the NFL.

“I’m not opposed to it. If they ever told me like, ‘We need you to do it.’ I’m not going to hesitate. I’m with it,” Gardner said. “I don’t want to be stepping on no toes. I just got in the league. But, if I could, I would.”

While Gardner is confident, he’s doing his best to remain humble and simply enjoy the process.

“It’s a blessing, man,” Gardner said, per Mlive.com’s Kyle Meinke. “I don’t have anyone in my family that went through what I’m going through, so this is my first time experiencing it, and my parents’ first time and the rest of my family experiencing it.”

Watch Gardner and Diggs go toe-to-toe on Sept. 11 when the Jets take on the Buffalo Bills in their season opener.