The NFL had a real shot at their first entertaining Thursday Night Football game in history last night. The Seahawks and the Cowboys got into a thrilling shootout, with Geno Smith and Dak Prescott exchanging big plays from the first whistle to the last.
Unfortunately, referee Clete Blakeman and his crew were in rare form, throwing a total of 19 flags against both teams and totaling 257 yards in penalties. That ruined the flow of the game, which devolved into a totally defense-less affair. DBs on both sides got the worst of it, as they were not allowed to so much as touch an opposing receiver without getting called for pass interference.
Naturally, fans who were watching were extremely put off by all the flags. Here’s what they had to say about it on Twitter.
Clete Blakeman, the guy we all tuned in to see and hear every 30 seconds pic.twitter.com/coOR31ywra
— Brandon Gustafson (@TheBGustafson) December 1, 2023
Al Michaels, like everyone at home, had enough of seeing referee Clete Blakeman during the Seahawks-Cowboys game. pic.twitter.com/vp0MqisbHM
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 1, 2023
The moment every ref started getting swole, we should've known we were in trouble. We've incentivized the screen time.
— Robert Mays (@robertmays) December 1, 2023
these refs know they families is at home watching
— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) December 1, 2023
Refs ruining what had been a sensational game
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) December 1, 2023
I hope Clete Blakeman and everyone on his crew can never maintain another erection for the rest of their lives.
— Count of Monte Crisco (@RSaltasaurus) December 1, 2023
Clete Blakeman’s crew is without a doubt the worst in the NFL.
— CoachJim (@CoachRacalto) December 1, 2023
15 penalities for over 230 yards already… Clete Blakeman buddy… swallow the goddamn whistle
— Will Parkinson (@Willpa11) December 1, 2023
The Clete Blakeman crew making a statement tonight. Just not sure what it is…
— Tim Cowlishaw (@TimCowlishaw) December 1, 2023
The Clete Blakeman crew makes games borderline unwatchable with the ridiculous coverage penalties.
— Ian Whetstone (@IanWhetstone) December 1, 2023
Clete Blakeman, I don't want to see you again for some time. https://t.co/9FC5NPDVfi
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) December 1, 2023
I can only think of one game worse than this and Clete Blakeman was the ref too
— Joel Smith (@joelsmith) December 1, 2023
This is a flat-out embarrassing performance from Clete Blakeman and his crew and that statement has rang true for the better part of a decade.
— Jamey Vinnick (@jameyvinnick9) December 1, 2023
NFL games with Clete Blakeman’s crew are unwatchable. There’s literally a flag every other play. And a million reviews.
— Scott (@Mastenbrook) December 1, 2023
Every single damn play. This is a joke. Clete Blakeman loves the sound of his own voice pic.twitter.com/NpKAJK3mrr
— Joel Penfield (@jtpenfield) December 1, 2023
Clete Blakeman just burst into my living room and threw a flag
— Sarah York (@thesarahyork) December 1, 2023
Clete Blakeman preparing for a primetime game: https://t.co/WKhV9VHiOX pic.twitter.com/YKntSgXXEs
— Luke Ganje (@keywordnovelist) December 1, 2023
How many times is Clete Blakeman trying to get on tv tonite? Because … it sure seems like he bet the over on some website.
— Same New Lions (@SameNewLions) December 1, 2023
I turned on Thursday Night Football to watch the Seahawks and Cowboys and instead, I get Clete Blakeman and his crew of officials throwing flags on nearly every play.
— Jonathan (@JayEEff) December 1, 2023
This drive brought to you by Clete Blakeman and Visit Las Vegas Dot Com
— Stuckey (@Stuckey2) December 1, 2023
Whenever I see “Clete” Blakeman on tv : pic.twitter.com/9Ira8bqGMW
— Arcand (@ChristianArcand) December 1, 2023
I don’t know about you guys but I don’t think there’s been enough flags tonight.
MORE CLETE BLAKEMAN!!!
— Chris Brockman🎙️ (@chrisbrockman) December 1, 2023
I don’t know about you guys but I don’t think there’s been enough flags tonight.
MORE CLETE BLAKEMAN!!!
— Chris Brockman🎙️ (@chrisbrockman) December 1, 2023
Remember that Clete Blakeman is the “no clear recovery” ref and should not have a job and frankly should [redacted]
— Amy, but go birds (@amy_shee) December 1, 2023
Clete Blakeman strikes again. pic.twitter.com/g83fDqZn3h
— Dick Fain (@dickfain) December 1, 2023
Someone needs to tell the @NFL that I’d like to watch the @dallascowboys and @Seahawks, not Clete Blakeman. #DallasCowboys #Seahawks
— David Pallas (@DavidPallas11) December 1, 2023
Good to know Clete Blakeman is still bad at his job
— Scott Skocy (@rascallybadger) December 1, 2023
Clete Blakeman could do with less main character energy
— PAY BRYCE HUFF (still nik) (@noodletwoone) December 1, 2023
I hate, and I mean hate people complaining about refs but the Seahawks had some BRUTAL calls on them tonight. Clete Blakeman and his bum ass crew should be behind bars after that one
— Colton Almeida (@seahawk928a) December 1, 2023
I can’t stand to see Clete Blakeman’s stupid face
— Dustyn (@Dustyn_R) December 1, 2023
Why don't they have Clete Blakeman on the post game?
— Michəllə ♡🖤 (@me_chelle143) December 1, 2023
Clete Blakeman continues to be the worst referee in football.
Like, the entire sport. Not just the NFL. All levels.
— Pal Saolantonio (@KyleYourFriend) December 1, 2023
This is a Clete Blakeman clinic against both teams. Guy should not be sniffing NFL games
— Rondo#9 (@MillsIsland) December 1, 2023
Clete Blakeman. Why do I remember this name? pic.twitter.com/yushM0cDtz
— O (@AhnRee__) December 1, 2023
Clete Blakeman is the Ted Valentine of PrimeTime NFL games.#Stockpile
— Brian Stocking (@BrianStocking) December 1, 2023
Clete Blakeman’s crew has gotta go. He’s talked more tonight than Michaels and Herbstreit combined.
— Mike Swanson (@Swanee54) December 1, 2023
Clete Blakeman's crew really likes being on TV
— Jon Benne (@LordBenne) December 1, 2023
Clete Blakeman getting more screen time than the Seahawks offense. This is so ugly.
— Dalton Miller (@DaltonBMiller) December 1, 2023
Clete Blakeman. I will haunt you for decades.
— DaBiggestTrapstarInDisBitxh (@BiggestTrapstar) December 1, 2023
Clete Blakeman: pic.twitter.com/X5mJD3XBpF
— Matthew Betz (@TheFantasyPT) December 1, 2023
