NFL Championship Game Referee Controversies: Lions Brace for Blakeman, Ravens Face Challenges with Smith’s Crew

As anticipation builds for the NFC and AFC championship games this Sunday, the focus isn’t solely on the players and coaches but extends to the officiating crews set to oversee the contests. Recent and past history suggests that the officials might become a noteworthy element in the upcoming matchups.

Clete Blakeman’s Controversial History with Lions

Referee Clete Blakeman will lead the crew in the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers, a fact that has already stirred frustration among Lions fans. The Lions recall a notorious 2019 game officiated by Blakeman against the Packers, marked by controversial calls that triggered a rally for Green Bay.

In that game, the Lions, leading 22-13 in the fourth quarter, faced critical officiating decisions. An erroneous penalty against Trey Flowers gave the Packers a first down, leading to a touchdown that narrowed the score to 22-20. Subsequent missed pass interference calls further fueled Lions’ grievances. The Packers ultimately secured a game-winning field goal, but controversy marred Flowers with another penalty that should not have been called.

Despite some changes in Blakeman’s crew since then, Lions fans remain wary of potential questionable officiating that might favor the 49ers on Sunday. Blakeman, with 16 seasons as an NFL official, including 14 as a referee, has officiated in 14 playoff games and presided over Super Bowl 50.

Challenges for Ravens with Shawn Smith’s Crew

In the AFC championship game hosted by the Baltimore Ravens, referee Shawn Smith’s crew is set to officiate. While the Ravens anticipate a home-field advantage, history suggests challenges with Smith’s crew, as home teams have experienced a lower win rate and faced more penalties.

Over the past three years, home teams under Smith’s officiating have won at a rate of 40.8%, compared to the league average of 55.9%. Against the spread, the numbers drop from 50.1% to 37%. Smith’s games witness home teams receiving more penalties and fewer penalties in non-Smith games.

Despite these statistics, it’s essential to approach them cautiously. Being the top referee in road team win percentage since 2018 doesn’t necessarily imply bias; rather, it reflects statistical variance among officials. The Chiefs and Ravens, both contending for a Super Bowl berth, have encountered challenges with Smith’s crew in previous games.

As the championship games approach, fans and teams alike remain vigilant about the potential impact of officiating decisions on the outcomes.