Controversial Referee Assigned to Lions vs. 49ers Game
Here we go again. I hope not, but we should be ready. Following that crazy end-of-the-game call during the Detroit Lions vs. Dallas Cowboys game earlier in the season, some Lions fans are understandably skeptical about the refs we get in our games. After that game, the ref who made the, er, questionable call, was taken off the list of overseeing any playoff games. So, even if the NFL didn’t say that it was a bad call, their actions showed that they took it seriously. Now, a somewhat controversial referee has been assigned to the Lions vs. 49ers NFC Championship game.
Football Zebras has released the names of the referees assigned to this weekend’s championship games. For the ACF, they have Shawn Smith. For the NFC, we drew Clete Blakeman. So, who is this Clete Blakeman guy?
You probably remember Blakeman in a not-so-great way from his appearance as the crew chief for the Detroit Lions’ 23-22 loss to the Green Bay Packers in 2019. If you remember, during that game, there was some undesirable officiating. That involved late illegal hands to the face penalties on Trey Flowers. The Lions were leading that game, but the illegal hands to the face penalties helped the Packers win the game. It happened at Lambeau Field on a field goal as time ran out. It was gut-wrenching. I remember watching and being like, what the heck? According to Football Zebras, Blakeman said Jeff Rice threw both penalty flags. They also report that Rice isn’t on Blakeman’s crew anymore.
If you look up the Lions games that Blakeman has overseen since that 2019 game, the Lions have lost four out of five of them, according to my friends at Pride of Detroit. They do note, though, that in all the cases, Blakeman actually called more penalties on the winning teams. According to NFLpentalies.com, Blakeman’s team ranks 12th out of 17 officiating crews in flags thrown. What do you think? Reach out to me here.
Detroit Lions: Get to Know the Initial 53-Man Roster for 2023
Quarterbacks
This year’s quarterbacks are Jared Goff, who is the starting quarterback, of course, along with Teddy Bridgewater and Hendon Hooker. We have a solid crew here. I’m a Goff believer.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 09: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions look on during pregame warm-ups prior to a game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on January 09, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Wide receivers
This year’s wide receivers include Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds, Kalif Raymond, Marvin Jones, Jameson Williams and Antoine Green. Sadly, Williams will miss the first several games due to gambling violations.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 18: Amon-Ra St. Brown #14 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball after making a catch against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at Ford Field on September 18, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
Running backs
We’re strong here. This year’s running backs include David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs and Jason Cabinda (FB). This is a solid roster. It’s great to get Montgomery from the Bears.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 11: Jahmyr Gibbs #26 of the Detroit Lions runs up the field in the second quarter of a preseason game against the New York Giants at Ford Field on August 11, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
Tight ends
We need some help in this area, but this year’s lineup seems strong. This year’s tight ends include Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright and James Mitchell.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 18: Amon-Ra St. Brown #14 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball after making a catch against the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at Ford Field on September 18, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
Offensive line
Let’s go get it! This year’s offensive line includes Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell, Frank Ragnow, Jonah Jackson, Graham Glasgow, Halapoulivaati Vaitai, Colby Sorsdal and Matt Nelson. That’s a good showing.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 18: D’Andre Swift #32 of the Detroit Lions celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the third quarter at Ford Field on September 18, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
Defensive line
Let’s look at the positions of EDGE and tackles. We have Alim McNeill, Isaiah Buggs, Brodric Martin, Levi Onwuzurike, Benito Jones, Aidan Hutchinson, Charles Harris, Josh Paschal, John Cominsky, James Houston, Romeo Okwara and Julian Okwara. It’s a solid list.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – SEPTEMBER 11: Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions plays against the Philadelphia Eagles at Ford Field on September 11, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Linebackers and Defensive backs
Let’s check out our linebackers and defensive backs. We have Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Anthony Pittman, Cam Sutton, Jerry Jacobs, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Emmanuel Moseley, Kerby Joseph, Tracy Walker, Brian Branch, Will Harris, Khalil Dorsey, Steven Gilmore and Ifeatu Melifonwu. Many of these are familiar names.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 08: Jamaal Williams #30 of the Detroit Lions celebrates with teammates after a touchdown during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 08, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Specialists
Don’t forget these guys. We also have Jack Fox, Scott Daly and Riley Patterson. In the fold. So, there you have it. Our initial lineup. Let’s keep everyone healthy and winning.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 09: Head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions looks on during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on January 09, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
