New York Jets 3 CBs get a lot of love following Week 8

New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (1) celebrates after breaking up a deep pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) in the first quarter of the NFL Week 3 game between the New York Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022. Cincinnati Bengals At New York Jets Week 3

The New York Jets are coming off of a frustrating home loss in Week 8. However, it was yet another week in which the defense did more than well for themselves.

Following the strong outing they had against the New England Patriots offense, the Jets’ defense moved up to being the sixth-ranked unit in the NFL.

Along the highly-successful defense, one position group that has executed at a high level all year is the group of cornerbacks with Sauce Gardner, DJ Reed, and Michael Carter II. The three have been catalysts to the pass defense of the Jets, ranking 10th in football. In terms of interceptions, the trio plays an integral part in being tied for the fourth-most in the league with nine.

New York Jets CB trio garners great respect:

Since Gardner was drafted, much has been made of the Jets’ three cornerbacks with him, Reed, and Carter in the slot. And the group has gone on to live up to the expectations and execute at an extraordinary level.

Such success has been attained that after Week 8, the PFF grades of all three players place them in the top 15 at the cornerback position in football. Gardner is fourth with an 85.0, Reed seventh with a 79.3, and Carter 15th with a 76.7. Some awe-inspiring stuff for the Jets’ corner trio.

Starting with Gardner, he has 12 passes defended, tied for the most in football. He also has an interception and has allowed just 19 completions on 43 targets (44.2% completion).

Reed also has one interception and six passes defended. He has given up 21 completions on 40 targets (53% completion).

Of the trio, Carter has the most interceptions to date with two. He has broken up four passes as well. His ball skills have taken a leap in year two.

Cornerback is undeniably one of the most important positions in football. The Jets have treated it as such and have probably the best trio in the NFL. Not only that, but they are all 25 or younger and likely just getting started together. Gardner, Reed, and Carter have been consistent anchors for the Jets in coverage, as the pass defense is allowing just 203.4 yards per game.