Sauce Gardner explains extra motivation behind NY Jets Week 6 victory

The NY Jets have been playing with a chip on their shoulder all season, and that much was evident when the team took on the Green Bay Packers this past Sunday.

The Jets felt disrespected not only by a Packers team that seemed to overlook their opponents, but they felt disrespected by a decision their opposition made before the season started. In particular, rookie cornerback Sauce Gardner took umbrage with this decision.

When NFL teams play in London, they're allowed to choose whether or not they'd like to have their bye the following week or not. If they elect not to have their bye, they're given the opportunity to select who their opponent will be that week from the possible games on their schedule.

Green Bay didn't choose to have their bye in Week 6. Instead, they took one look at their schedule and figured a home game against the Jets would have the same effect. Needless to say, that's not what happened.

Gardner broke down the scenario following the game, and that could explain why he felt compelled to wear that Packers cheesehead around the stadium.

"They chose us. When you go and play in London, you can pick if you want your bye week right after or you can pick which team you want to play. They picked us. They thought they were going to get the 'Same Old Jets,' but we came out there today and dominated."

Sauce Gardner

Sauce Gardner and the NY Jets are tired of the disrespect

Combatting perceived disrespect has been a common theme for the Jets in 2022. From Tyreek Hill's comments to Robert Saleh's "taking receipts" motto, the Jets are playing with a little extra motivation this season.

They're out to prove their detractors wrong and bury the infamous "Same Old Jets" phrase. This is a new team and a new era of Jets football — the players and coaches are hoping to prove that each week.

The Jets currently sit at 4-2 and are tied for the second-best record in the AFC. They face a Denver Broncos team coming off a short week in Week 7, and they might be without starting quarterback Russell Wilson as well.

Despite this, they're slated to be underdogs again in Denver with the opening spread labeling the Broncos as 3.0-point favorites.

The Jets have thrived on the underdog mentality this season. This Sunday poses another opportunity to add an additional entry to Saleh's growing list of receipts.