The battle for the starting cornerback job opposite D.J. Reed may be coming to a head this week.
Head coach Robert Saleh told reporters after Monday’s preseason game that a firm decision regarding who the starter will be between Bryce Hall and Sauce Gardner may come this week.
Robert Saleh indicated the #Jets might make a firm decision on who is starting at CB (Sauce Gardner or Bryce Hall) this week.
— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) August 23, 2022
If Monday’s game against the Falcons is any indication, it’s looking like Gardner is going to win the competition. Gardner has had a strong camp all summer long, while Hall struggled on Monday, getting burned a few times, including on a touchdown pass to WR Olamide Zaccheaus. Hall even played into the second quarter, while Gardner did not, which is quite telling.
This week’s joint practices and preseason game against the New York Giants may be the final tests for these two. Then again, the decision could be made even before that and the Jets may pick one and let him roll as the full starter this week, as the Jets are going to treat this week as their dress rehearsal for the regular season.
But after Monday, it’s probably a 99 percent chance it’s going to be the No. 4 overall pick in this year’s draft Gardner working alongside Reed, while Hall will be among the key reserves with Brandin Echols.
