Sauce Gardner Reflects on Missed Tackle: ‘It Starts With Me’

Jets 31-6 loss to the Cardinals, the Jets struggled with missed tackles and key injuries. Sauce Gardner, under fire for his tackling, admitted to a costly error that allowed a crucial first down. Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich stressed the need for defensive fundamentals as the team missed 20 tackles overall.

A Critical Mistake

Sauce Gardner faced criticism for his tackling this season, and a crucial missed play on Sunday didn’t help his case. In the second half of the Jets’ 31-6 loss to the Cardinals, Gardner failed to bring down tight end Trey McBride, turning what should have been a short gain on 3rd-and-7 into a 17-yard first down.

“I know I missed that tackle today,” Gardner admitted. “I need to make that play. It was good coverage, but I didn’t finish. It starts with me; I need to be better.”

A Team-Wide Issue

The Jets struggled collectively, missing 20 tackles—the most by any team this season. Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich acknowledged the tackling woes, emphasizing fundamentals. “It comes down to technique and basics. Today, we didn’t meet the standard,” he said.

The Jets lost left tackle Tyron Smith to a neck injury at halftime. Rookie Olu Fashanu replaced him in the second half. Smith, 33, hasn’t completed a full season since 2015. Ulbrich did not disclose the severity of the injury.

A peculiar moment occurred late in the second half when officials allowed a do-over on what appeared to be a fumble or a pre-snap penalty by the Cardinals. Ulbrich explained, “They said they weren’t ready to officiate the play. It’s a first for me.”

Quincy Williams delivered a hard hit on Kyler Murray in the second half, dislodging the quarterback’s helmet. Despite the impact, Murray remained in the game and threw a touchdown pass shortly afterward. “I was surprised, but it’s competition. I’m glad he got back up,” Williams said.

CB Brandin Echols left the game with a concussion, while QB Aaron Rodgers briefly visited the medical tent for a concussion evaluation but quickly returned.