On Sunday afternoon, the Tennessee Titans were once again the victims of horrendously barbaric and incompetent officiating. Clete Blakeman’s officiating crew neutered Tennessee’s fourth-down stand after they were called for unnecessary roughness. They were trailing 7-3 at the time of the incident but subsequently gave up a touchdown to those noisy Norsemen. Did these scandalous plays decisively impact the Titans’ pursuit of a top draft pick?
Titans got a penalty for hitting a guy too hard.
Brutal beat.
This was a clean play, on 4th and goal, penalty cost them 7 points.pic.twitter.com/RbN8q8BMiC
— Sam Monson (@SamMonsonNFL) November 17, 2024
Scandalous Plays Land Decisive Impact On The Titans’ Season
Safety Mike Brown led with the shoulder into the chest instead of going for receiver Jordan Addison’s head, which would’ve netted a penalty if the game had been adequately officiated. The flag was so blatantly and egregiously incorrect that the announcers and Gene Steratore rebuked Blakeman.
There wasn’t anything wrong with the safety’s play in that instance, except for the launching aspect which was a minuscule part. Head coach Brian Callahan was rightly livid and incensed at the flag, drawing the ire of the officiating crew.
#Titans called for unnecessary roughness … AWFUL call and HC Brian Callahan made that clear! pic.twitter.com/8K9UVeQ43v
— Kayla Anderson ✨ (@KaylaAndersonTV) November 17, 2024
What Happened Next?
Because of the play, the Vikings received a new lease on life at the goal line, and Sam Darnold scored. Another scandalous play impacted the Titans, leading to a field goal drive.
2 hands on the shoulders = horsecollar apparently https://t.co/2uBpkpTLbV pic.twitter.com/NdQAKbZZzT
— the metten burger (@themettenburger) November 17, 2024
Minnesota took a 16-3 lead into halftime and emerged from the locker room by exchanging punts on the opening couple of drives. Will Levis threw a 40-yard pass to Nick Westbrook-Ihkine, which NWI took the rest of the way for a 99-yard touchdown, which made the deficit 16-10. The referees intervened again, calling an illegal contact penalty on rookie cornerback Jarvis Brownlee, Jr when there was no illicit perceptible contact. Minnesota, aided by the flag on third down, scored another touchdown to push the margin to 23-10.
Tennessee’s newly acquired offensive tackle, Isaiah Prince, was the victim of another clown show referee decision. This decision resulted in a TD taken off but a field goal to make it 23-13.
A DEEP touchdown pass from Will Levis to Calvin Ridley was called back because of illegal formation on the Titans. pic.twitter.com/l0t6Lz22Qe
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) November 17, 2024
The Titans’ defense gamely held on for a few more drives, but the offensive line couldn’t get out of their way, resulting in sacks and penalties. Tennessee meekly went into the night, despite Will Levis’ attempts to drive them away from a higher draft pick.
They said what?
.@Titans HC Brian Callahan: The right tackle position is by far our weakest link. We haven't been able to solve it
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) November 17, 2024
Brian Callahan clearly flustered by the officiating in today’s game. Said he tried to correct Isaiah Prince after the first illegal formation penalty. Said he felt he understood. But the calls still won’t against Prince twice more.
— Terry McCormick (@terrymc13) November 17, 2024
Brian Callahan on yelling at officials after fourth-down call against Mike Brown. #Titans pic.twitter.com/jBTSZCvf2j
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) November 17, 2024
Jeffery Simmons on the calls vs the #Titans: I think we're cursed when it comes to officiating. pic.twitter.com/yIufs5A2TG
— TURRON DAVENPORT (@TDavenport_NFL) November 17, 2024
After the game, the pool reporter asked Clete Blakeman about various calls that were in question throughout the game. Here are Blakeman’s responses:
Explanation from Clete Blakeman on today’s unnecessary roughness penalty against Mike Brown, the repeat illegal formation penalties on the #Titans from my pool report. pic.twitter.com/9Y4HEOtUn6
— Nick Suss (@nicksuss) November 17, 2024
Mike Brown’s hit was clean and legal (no launching), and the ball was dislodged in the process. Therefore, the flag was not warranted on that occasion at all. Interestingly, Blakeman credits his down judge and side judge on the call, his two most senior staff. DJ Dana MacKenzie has served as an official for 17 seasons, while SJ James Coleman has served for 20. His response to the formation warnings is of particular interest. Partially, the coaching staff should drill the players on the subject and not put them in those situations. Rotating tackles in and out on any given play continually messes up the chemistry.
What’s next for each team?
Minnesota heads to the Windy City to take on the Meek Monsters of the Midway. The Bears are coming off a backbreaking and heartbreaking loss to the Packers in which they showed signs of offensive competence.
Tennessee travels to arch-rival Houston, who has a short week after playing on Monday Night against the wounded Cowboys.
Main Photo Courtesy of Andrew Nelles – The Tennessean – Imagn Images
