Sauce Gardner made his debut for the Indianapolis Colts in Berlin following a hectic week that involved his trade from the New York Jets. The Colts dealt two first-round draft picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell to acquire Gardner, a standout cover cornerback in the league.
During the game against the Atlanta Falcons, Gardner showcased his skills as he followed tight end Kyle Pitts on a crucial play. However, this left space for Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. to connect with wide receiver Drake London for a 16-yard touchdown pass, putting Atlanta ahead 14-13 at halftime.
Gardner, who was selected fourth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, earned All-Pro honors in both of his first two seasons with the Jets. While his performance dipped in the previous season and this one, the transition to a new defense could reignite his elite play. In the first half of the game, Gardner recorded three solo tackles, demonstrating his involvement and readiness to contribute.
His new teammate, safety Camryn Bynum, noted on Friday that Gardner has been diligent in his preparations, describing him as a “student of the game.” This mindset could be pivotal as he adapts to his new environment.
The Colts faced challenges on defense, particularly without their three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who was placed on injured reserve due to a neck injury. The Falcons capitalized on this by establishing a strong ground game, with Bijan Robinson rushing for 47 yards on nine carries in the opening half.
As the Colts continue to integrate Gardner into their defensive scheme, his performance will be closely monitored as they aim to bolster their defense and compete effectively in the league.
