Sauce Gardner calls performance against Commanders 'unacceptable

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner admitted to providing an “unacceptable” and “embarrassing” performance during the team’s Week 4 victory over the Washington Commanders.

Gardner faced criticism for a perceived lack of effort during several plays, most notably an 87-yard touchdown reception by Antonio Williams that was ultimately nullified by a penalty. Gardner acknowledged that his pursuit angles and general intensity were insufficient, stating, “That is exactly the embarrassing feeling. When I see other people on the D-line running past me... it feels like, ‘Yo, that is crazy.’”

Despite the Colts' win, Gardner was targeted seven times and allowed 104 yards on three completions. Defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo offered some defense for the cornerback, noting that some plays, such as a touchdown pass to Treylon Burks, were somewhat “fluky” due to miscommunication between the quarterback and receiver. However, Gardner emphasized that such lapses would “never happen again.”