New Jets defensive coordinator Steve Wilks gave cornerback Sauce Gardner a challenge when the two met after Wilks was hired.
“He’s been a Pro Bowl player,” Wilks remarked. “The key is how consistently he can elevate his game to the next level. That was my challenge to him from Day 1 during our discussion. I think, and many of you would agree, that he ranks among the top corners in the league. However, achieving that level of dominance every week is what we aim for, and that’s the challenge he faces this offseason.
“He possesses remarkable talent, and I mentioned to him that sometimes his greatest strength can be his greatest weakness. Even when he’s at 85 percent, he’s often outperforming those around him. So, I encouraged him to compete against himself. That’s the area where he needs to improve, and I’m confident he will.”
Gardner earned first-team All-Pro honors in his first two seasons, although last year wasn’t as impressive. As he’s up for a contract extension, the Jets have a significant decision to make regarding their investment in this star corner. One criticism throughout Gardner’s career has been his shortage of interceptions.
He has three in three years, including one last year. Wilks said Gardner is working on it.
“That’s finishing as we talked about, and he’s been working on that for us,” Wilks said. “Taking more time with the Jugs [machine] and getting extra catches in and understanding how to catch the ball away from your body just like a receiver would do. But I always say this, and I know there’s a lot of talk about him, but he’s only going to be as good as the guys around him, so it’s all about trying to make sure that we all, particularly on the back end, pushing in the same direction.”
Second-year WR Malachi Corley missed practice again Wednesday with an undisclosed injury.
Corley has missed a lot of time this spring, and it could cost him in a tight competition at wide receiver.
Offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand said Corley will have to catch up in training camp.
“That’s a great question really for him to ask, ‘How do I get myself mentally caught back up, because I wasn’t able to get the physical reps this spring?’ ” Engstrand said. “And ultimately, that’s going to be what it is, because the other guys do, they have a handful of practices ahead of him and those physical reps. So, he’s going to have to find a way to catch himself up with that stuff.”
Rookie WR Arian Smith also did not practice Wednesday.
LB Quincy Williams was on the field in uniform but did not participate in team drills.
QB Justin Fields said he plans on getting together with the wide receivers and tight ends during the break before training camp.
