One game does not a decision make. At least that’s how Jets head coach Robert Saleh is looking at things right now regarding the ongoing cornerback battle between rookie Sauce Gardner and veteran Bryce Hall.
During his press conference after Wednesday’s practice, Saleh told the media he’s still going back and forth between Gardner and Hall as far as who will start Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens opposite D.J. Reed, despite the perceived poor performance from Hall during Monday’s preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Saleh still not ready to anoint Gardner a starter. Still alternating with Hall, who had a rough night vs Falcons. Saleh says that game not indicative of Hall’s camp. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 24, 2022
“We had good evaluations yesterday,” Saleh said. “Obviously, we’re still in the alternating pattern. We’re talking about it every day. So, like I said, I know Bryce had what looked like a bad day on Monday, but at the same time, that hasn’t been him this entire camp. He’s had a really nice camp and like I said in my press conference after the game, I don’t want one day to define him, but they both been having a really good camp.”
The highlight from Monday, or lowlight if you’re so inclined, was Hall getting burned a couple of times during the first half, including on the touchdown to Falcons WR Olamide Zaccheaus and an early big play to TE Kyle Pitts.
But clearly, Saleh isn’t completely fazed by one game and will still let the competition go a bit longer, perhaps into Sunday’s preseason finale against the New York Giants. That said, it still feels like Gardner is the favorite to beat out Hall. Time will tell.
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