A big move by the Falcons' next opponent could change things in Germany.
Tori McElhaney
Disclaimer: The statements and opinions regarding players and/or potential future players in the article below are those of theAtlantaFalcons.comeditorial staff and are not of the Atlanta Falcons' football personnel unless noted in a direct quote.
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. The Indianapolis Colts have traded two future first-round picks to the New York Jets in exchange for cornerback Sauce Gardner. The trade and its details were first reported byESPN's Adam Schefter.
This move comes after the Jets signed Gardner to a 4-year, $120.4 million extension this offseason. New York drafted Gardner fourth overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. He was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after that season and was the first rookie cornerback since Ronnie Lott in 1981 to be named first-team All-Pro.
This is relevant to the Atlanta Falcons as the team gets ready to face the 7-2 Colts in Berlin, Germany.
Gardner is regarded as one of the best young corners in the game. According to Next Gen Stats, in Week 5 of the season, Gardner had remained within one yard of his coverage matchup for 90 total seconds (one minute and 30 seconds) this season, the most amount of time by any defender in the NFL at that time.
By Week 8, Gardner has covered a receiver on at least half of their routes in five of the Jets' seven games this season. Doing so, he had not allowed more than two receptions to a single receiver in a game to Week 8.
The last time Falcons' receivers faced a secondary including Gardner was a rainy day at Metlife Stadium in 2023. In said game, the Falcons defeated the Jets, 13-8. Drake London was held to one catch for eight yards on a day then-quarterback Desmond Ridder only connected on 12 total completions. Kyle Pitts' was the Falcons' leading receiver with four catches for 51 yards.
London and Pitts are both coming off significant performances in the last two weeks. Against the Miami Dolphins two weeks ago, Pitts led the team with nine catches on nine targets. London is coming off 118-receiving yard, three-touchdown day against the New England Patriots last week.
With both teams set to make the trip to Germany it could affect how much Gardner actually plays this Sunday against the Falcons at Olympic Stadium. However, the expectation could be to see Gardner lined up against Falcons' receivers at some point on the day.
*Editor's note: This story will be updated with any new and relevant information as it is reported.
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