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This week, the Jets locker room was rattled by the unexpected trade of Sauce Gardner to the Colts.
This move, however, has paved the way for rookie Azareye’h Thomas to step into Gardner’s role as the starting cornerback.
“It’s a blessing,” Thomas expressed. “It’s what you dream about growing up. Everyone aspires to make it to the NFL and become a starter. Now, I have my chance to do just that, so I’m eager to seize the opportunity, compete fiercely, perform well, and give my all for my teammates.”
Thomas is set to make his second consecutive start in Sunday’s game against the Browns.
He previously started in the matchup against the Bengals when Gardner was sidelined with a concussion.
Thomas gave up one highlight play — a 44-yard touchdown to Tee Higgins — but played well overall.
Higgins and fellow Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase did not do that much damage to the Jets defense.
“I feel like it was pretty good,” Thomas said of the Bengals game. “I can always do better. I feel like I’m my harshest critic. I just have to clean up the little, small details. Like the touchdown with Tee Higgins, I was in perfect position, but I looked back too early for the ball and he faded away. He got away from me and scored. Outside of that, I was like, nobody is going to catch another ball. That’s just my mindset.”
Though Thomas is happy to have the chance to play, he is sad to see Gardner go.
“I learned a lot from him, just how to watch film, what he looks at, route concepts, how he watches film on certain days, what does he watch,” Thomas said. “When you have a guy like that, with the stardom that he has, a lot of guys are going to sugarcoat it. He gave me everything. He gave the team everything. Now that he’s gone, it sucks but it’s always the next-man-up mindset.”
The Jets elevated OL Kohl Levao and DT Payton Page from the practice squad for Sunday’s game.