Posted on Sep 30

Sauce Gardner on penalties: "I think I get called for more stuff just based off of us not winning."

Posted Sep 30, 2025

The New York Jets are grappling with a frustrating 0-4 start to the season, exacerbated by penalties and inconsistent officiating, particularly affecting star cornerback Sauce Gardner.

Why it matters: The Jets’ inability to secure a win has put immense pressure on the team, and Gardner’s frustrations reflect deeper issues surrounding discipline and execution that need addressing if they hope to turn their season around.

Gardner, who was flagged for pass interference in the Jets' recent loss to the Miami Dolphins (27-21), has now been penalized for this infraction in consecutive weeks. This lack of discipline is indicative of broader problems within the Jets' performance as they struggle to find their footing early in the season.

By the numbers: The Jets committed 13 penalties during their latest game, with nine coming from the offense, alongside three lost fumbles.

Gardner leads the team with four penalties this season, three of which have been accepted, placing him among the top cornerbacks in the league for infractions.
In 2024 alone, he was flagged ten times, with nine penalties accepted, showcasing ongoing concerns about his play style.

Yes, but: Gardner expresses frustration not just with the penalties but also with the perception created by the team's losses.

"I don't know if this is wrong to say -- but I think I get called for more stuff just based off of us not winning," Gardner said, hinting at a belief that team performance influences officiating scrutiny.

What to watch: The Jets head coach Aaron Glenn emphasized the importance of correcting these mistakes.

"[I] really have to take a look at these penalties, take a look at these turnovers and make sure we understand that before you can win games, you have to learn how not to lose games," he stated, underscoring the need for a culture shift towards accountability and discipline.

Zoom In: Gardner's penalties have become a focal point for an already struggling defense.

As one of the team's key defensive players, his effectiveness is crucial, and mitigating penalties could significantly improve the Jets' chances in upcoming games.

The bottom line: If the Jets hope to salvage their season, correcting the penalty issue and fostering a winning mentality will be essential for both Gardner and the entire team moving forward.

Sauce Gardner on penalties: "I think I get called for more stuff just based off of us not winning."

Alex Parker

Posted Sep 30, 2025

The New York Jets are grappling with a frustrating 0-4 start to the season, exacerbated by penalties and inconsistent officiating, particularly affecting star cornerback Sauce Gardner.

By the numbers: The Jets committed 13 penalties during their latest game, with nine coming from the offense, alongside three lost fumbles.

Gardner leads the team with four penalties this season, three of which have been accepted, placing him among the top cornerbacks in the league for infractions.

In 2024 alone, he was flagged ten times, with nine penalties accepted, showcasing ongoing concerns about his play style.

Yes, but: Gardner expresses frustration not just with the penalties but also with the perception created by the team's losses.

"I don't know if this is wrong to say -- but I think I get called for more stuff just based off of us not winning," Gardner said, hinting at a belief that team performance influences officiating scrutiny.

What to watch: The Jets head coach Aaron Glenn emphasized the importance of correcting these mistakes.

"[I] really have to take a look at these penalties, take a look at these turnovers and make sure we understand that before you can win games, you have to learn how not to lose games," he stated, underscoring the need for a culture shift towards accountability and discipline.

Zoom In: Gardner's penalties have become a focal point for an already struggling defense.

As one of the team's key defensive players, his effectiveness is crucial, and mitigating penalties could significantly improve the Jets' chances in upcoming games.

The bottom line: If the Jets hope to salvage their season, correcting the penalty issue and fostering a winning mentality will be essential for both Gardner and the entire team moving forward.