And so ends a rough year for the superstar corner. Gardner ends the year with nine pass breakups and one interception. That’s a career-low for him in pass breakups and total tackles (49). Worst of all, Gardner set a career-high in penalties. His 10 infractions doubled his previous high-water mark. The Jets will be overhauled this offseason with new faces in the front office and at head coach. The hope will be that a steady hand at head coach will get Sauce back on track next year.

Gardner aggravated his preexisting hamstring strain last week and the 4-12 Jets have no real reason to rush him back into action. He is highly unlikely to suit up against the Dolphins in a meaningless Week 18 game.

He only played in the first quarter. With the Jets going nowhere and trailing big early, there was little incentive to rush Gardner back in a lost season. It wouldn’t be surprising if he were shut down for the final week of the year.