The stats say Sauce Gardner had one of his worst games ever. Lou Anarumo isn't worried
Colts CB Sauce Gardner gave up a career-high 117 yards when he was the nearest defender Sunday. Coordinator Lou Anarumo said Gardner wasn't solely to blame
In a recent NFL game, Indianapolis Colts corner Sauce Gardner delivered one of his worst performances to date. Gardner, a two-time All-Pro and 2022 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, was targeted five times on Sunday, surrendering a total of 117 receiving yards. This marked the ninth touchdown allowed by Gardner in his career and the first of the season.
Despite the raw numbers, Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo remains confident in Gardner's abilities. Anarumo emphasized that Gardner must maintain a "next play mentality" and not focus too much on individual plays. He attributed Gardner's struggles to the Commanders' offense throwing off-schedule, with rookie quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis taking too long to release the ball.
Anarumo also highlighted the importance of Gardner and his safety, A.J. Haulcy, communicating better to anticipate the quarterback's throws. Both plays in question were attributed to Gardner and Haulcy not being fully in sync with the Commanders' receivers, Treylon Burks and Dyami Brown. Anarumo stressed that the Colts' defense played aggressively and that the team will learn from this game to improve their coverage.
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