Any NFL viewer can attest to how often they see offensive players and coaches calling for pass interference penalties on the defense, often in flamboyant fashion with body language and facial expressions that convey intense frustration and incredulity.

But as New York Jets star cornerback Sauce Gardner made clear on the Thursday, Nov. 7 edition of “The Richard Sherman Podcast,” defensive guys work the referees, too.

Gardner spoke to Sherman with specific regard to Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens, against whom he squared off in Week 7. During the conversation, Gardner referred to Pickens a “push-off guy,” apparently quoting an anonymous referee who was a member of the crew that called that game.

“[Pickens is] running around, he pushes off. I talked to that ref before the game. I don’t know his name,” Gardner told Sherman. “I’m like, ‘Ref, just know, this is going to be a physical matchup. He likes pushing off.’ Ref says: ‘We watch film, too. I know he’s a huge push-off guy. We’re going to let y’all play.'”

Gardner noted that while the official to whom he spoke intended to let the two players go back-and-forth a bit, it was the Jets cornerback who got flagged for pass interference on that day, while Pickens did not receive a similar penalty.

The Jets defense, Gardner included, has been notably frustrated this season as the the team has struggled to meet expectations — in large part due to the failings of the team’s offense.

New York fell to Pittsburgh and then to the New England Patriots to drop to 2-6 before rebounding against the Houston Texans in Week 9. Former Jets head coach Robert Saleh has already lost his job, which happened in October, due to the team’s struggles in 2024.

The Steelers, meanwhile, have won three games in a row and are leading the AFC North Division with a record of 6-2. Pittsburgh will hold onto that lead by a half-game should the team best the Washington Commanders on Sunday.