The Chiefs were able to eke out a 23-20 win over the Jets on "Sunday Night Football" in Week 4, and it was largely thanks to the team's final offensive drive of the evening.
Kansas City killed off the final 7:24 on the clock as a part of a 15-play drive that saw quarterback Patrick Mahomes make several plays with his legs.
However, that drive wasn't without controversy, as a key penalty was called to extend the drive. That ultimately helped deny the Jets one more chance to mount a game-tying or game-winning drive.
MORE: Chiefs hold off Jets' spirited comeback to earn Week 4 win
The call in question came on a third-and-20 during which Patrick Mahomes lofted a pass into Marquez Valdes-Scantling. The receiver was double-covered on the play and the ball wasn't thrown particularly well, which allowed it to be intercepted by Michael Carter.
However, Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner was whistled for holding on the play. That resulted in a five-yard penalty that gave New York a first down and extended the drive.
Here’s why Sauce was called for holding pic.twitter.com/NUKgeYATRp
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) October 2, 2023
Gardner made it known after the game that he vehemently disagreed with the call, explaining to reporters what he believed had happened during a postgame news conference.
"The receiver ran into me," Gardner said. "There was a collision — same thing that was happening all game but no flags — Pat threw the ball outside of the receiver. [Michael Carter] was there. He made the play. Then the ref threw the flag."
Sauce Gardner talks about the penalty called in the fourth quarter:
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) October 2, 2023
"I don't even know what to say" pic.twitter.com/mWbA84NaW3
Gardner likened the call to crying for a foul while playing pickup basketball only after you know that you have missed a shot. He described the penalty as "crazy" and lamented that it came at such an important point in the game.
"I don't even think they threw the ball my way, at me, for the first three quarters," he said. "Then they started throwing checkdowns. Then the shot that they take that's not going and they finally get bailed out by that? Fourth quarter, crunch time. I don't even know what to say."
MORE: How Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen's performances vs. Jets compare
While Gardner was vocal after the game, Jets coach Robert Saleh didn't want to discuss the call.
"I'm not gonna comment on that," he said when asked about the holding penalty. "I already dealt with it."
That said, Saleh gave the officials an earful after the call was made. And after the Chiefs went into victory formation at the end of the drive, he was whistled for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for arguing the call.
Even despite his diplomacy, Saleh implied he wasn't pleased with the officials when questioned about several plays where it appeared that edge rusher Jermaine Johnson was being held.
"I have a lot of thoughts on it but I'm gonna stay quiet," he said.
This was pretty bad on the big Patrick Mahomes run. Nothing was called on this.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 2, 2023
pic.twitter.com/S9kfZB6lje https://t.co/hvqonbuA2R
So, it certainly seems like more than Gardner had qualms with the way the endgame was officiated.
