The L.A. Chargers secured a hard-fought 27-21 victory against the Kansas City Chiefs in São Paulo, Brazil on Friday. However, a significant contributor to the Chargers’ performance found himself embroiled in controversy early in the second half.
Around the midpoint of the third quarter, Chargers defensive lineman Teair Tart became entangled with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce during a play. While attempting to block Tart, Kelce maintained contact with Tart’s elbow after the whistle and appeared to shove him backward slightly, a move that seemingly agitated Tart.
The outcome was Tart retaliating with a hand to Kelce, making contact with the tight end’s helmet.
Due to the initial appearance of the hit resembling a punch directed at Kelce’s face, many anticipated Tart’s ejection from the contest. Instead, Tart received a penalty for unnecessary roughness, advancing the Chiefs 9 yards, half the distance to the goal line.
During the television coverage, former NFL official Terry McAulay clarified that Tart avoided ejection because he employed an open hand in the hit, rather than a closed fist. Had Tart punched Kelce directly, he would have been removed from the game. Officials also determined that Tart did not utilize a level of force that warranted disqualification.
It wasn’t regarded as seriously as the incident involving Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter the previous night, who was ejected before the game’s first play for spitting on an opponent.
Despite Tart remaining in the game, Kansas City capitalized on the opportunity, with Patrick Mahomes executing an 11-yard rushing touchdown on the subsequent play.
According to the NFL rulebook, a 15-yard personal foul penalty can be assessed if a player “strikes an opponent with his fists” or swings at a player’s head or neck region. Exceptions exist if the player uses an open palm, but only when attempting to fend off a player at the line of scrimmage. Referees also possess the authority to disqualify players if they deem the foul particularly egregious.
Regardless, Los Angeles benefited from Tart’s continued presence, as the seasoned lineman proceeded to deflect two crucial passes later in the second half. In the fourth quarter, Tart disrupted Patrick Mahomes’ pass intended for Noah Gray during the Chiefs’ unsuccessful two-point conversion attempt. The successful conversion would have leveled the score at 20-all, but Tart’s intervention preserved the Chargers’ advantage.
Subsequently, during Kansas City’s final offensive series, Tart batted down another Mahomes pass, this time targeted towards Hollywood Brown. Consequently, the Chiefs were compelled to settle for a field goal, ultimately contributing to the Chargers’ six-point margin of victory.
Aside from the altercation, it proved to be a pivotal game for Tart. Throughout the previous season with the Chargers, Tart defended two passes in total; in this single game, he equaled that figure. He also recorded a solo tackle in the triumph.
It remains to be seen whether the NFL will review the incident, but as of now, Tart faces no further repercussions. Regarding Kelce and the Chiefs, attributing the loss solely to Tart’s presence is challenging, considering the team’s sluggish start on offense.
