I just want the refs to stay out of it.

[Aircrew]

In spite of my best efforts, I made it to 50 years old recently. So, I'm a big enough boy now that I'm emotionally and psychologically prepared for the game to go either way tomorrow. What I'm not prepared for, nor should anyone be, is a repeat by the zebras of a certain Superbowl that shall remain nameless. I can handle defeat, what I refuse to accept is betrayal and/or corruption. So, referees, you're not the main character, you're in a supporting role. Call a clean game and stay out of it, please.

Go Hawks.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

Yep. Let em play.

 

[Runscott]

In spite of my best efforts, I made it to 50 years old recently. So, I'm a big enough boy now that I'm emotionally and psychologically prepared for the game to go either way tomorrow. What I'm not prepared for, nor should anyone be, is a repeat by the zebras of a certain Superbowl that shall remain nameless. I can handle defeat, what I refuse to accept is betrayal and/or corruption. So, referees, you're not the main character, you're in a supporting role. Call a clean game and stay out of it, please.

Go Hawks.

Funny, I remember turning 30 and feeling old. Then I hit 40 and thought I had been young at 30. Now I'm 67 and thinking 60 was really young. At 50 I could do anything - but yes, emotionally and psychologically prepared.

In any case, I like to think that the best refs earned the right to be at the game tomorrow. Funny how, when the refs let the teams play, even when there are a few obvious missed calls (since most calls aren't made), the complaints from us experts are fewer. So yeah, let 'em play.

 

[Aircrew]

Funny, I remember turning 30 and feeling old. Then I hit 40 and thought I had been young at 30. Now I'm 67 and thinking 60 was really young. At 50 I could do anything - but yes, emotionally and psychologically prepared.

Life really began at 30 for me, a great decade and so were my 40's. Plan on making the most of my 50's before my body has to start facing the consequences of my decisions..

 

[WmHBonney]

The biggest thing the refs need to do is BE CONSISTENT. Don't let the players play loose all game long and then throw a shitty flag with 2 minutes left for some bullshit penalty that you have let go all game long. The players and coaches test the refs early to see what kind of game they're going to call. Then, they adjust accordingly.

 

[Runscott]

Life really began at 30 for me, a great decade and so were my 40's. Plan on making the most of my 50's before my body has to start facing the consequences of my decisions..

Same here. 50's were also fine - I ran four marathons in my 50's. No complaints for me until COVID, and I've just about turned that around.

 

[SmokinHawk]

Yellow hanky ball on championship Sunday is optically bad.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

Life really began at 30 for me, a great decade and so were my 40's. Plan on making the most of my 50's before my body has to start facing the consequences of my decisions..

Noice. I did a 20 mile hike on my 50th birthday and have done close to 50 half marathons. Age is just a number.

 

[Pandion Haliaetus]

Noice. I did a 20 mile hike on my 50th birthday and have done close to 50 half marathons. Age is just a number.

Finally explains all your positivity, Chris Traeger.

 

[CalgaryFan05]

Noice. I did a 20 mile hike on my 50th birthday and have done close to 50 half marathons. Age is just a number.

Totally with you. Right up until 56. 55? pushing 40/60K on the bike with no problems. Dropping people 1/2 my age on the climbs.

56? Afib. Hip issues. Figured out right quick that it's not just a number - For me anyhow. Still try - but Jesus. 57 now. We'll see how this season goes.....

 

[Runscott]

Totally with you. Right up until 56. 55? pushing 40/60K on the bike with no problems. Dropping people 1/2 my age on the climbs.

56? Afib. Hip issues. Figured out right quick that it's not just a number - For me anyhow. Still try - but Jesus. 57 now. We'll see how this season goes.....

Well, it is just a number, but it's a number where your numbers aren't as great as they used to be. I would say around 55, right after I did my last marathon, I went "to seed";however, I'm still convinced that I can beat my best time from that decade. My doctor put the fear of God into me a year ago, and my health since then has done a reverse back toward my 50's. My 70's are going to be huge.

 

[CalgaryFan05]

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand Gemini says we could do worse than the crew that's been assigned:

"This is a critical appointment for Seattle. Here is the scouting report on Smith and his "all-star" crew:

1. The "Let Them Play" TendencyShawn Smith is known for a lower rate of "ticky-tack" fouls compared to the league average, particularly in the trenches.

• Holding & False Starts: In the 2025 season, Smith's crew ranked toward the bottom of the league in calling offensive holding and false starts. Only ~32% of his penalties come from these pre-snap or engagement fouls.
• Impact: This generally favors physical offensive lines and defensive backs who like to grab. For Seattle, this suggests the "Legion of Boom" style physical coverage might be tolerated more than usual, but the offensive line needs to be careful not to rely on holding that is called (the "egregious" ones).

2. The "Home" Team DisadvantageSmith has a statistical anomaly in his career:

• Home/Favorite Trend: Historically, home teams (or favorites) have covered the spread at a lower rate in his games (approx. 45-48%). While the Super Bowl is neutral, this trend often correlates with a referee who strictly enforces "point of emphasis" rules that can stall high-powered offenses or favorites trying to pull away.
• Underdog Friendly? His crews often keep games close, which aligns with his "under" trend (betting totals often go Under in his games).

3. The Umpire Factor (Roy Ellison)The Umpire (who stands in the offensive backfield) is Roy Ellison. He is known for being strict on player conduct and interactions. If tensions flare (as they often do in Seahawks/Pats games), Ellison is quick to flag unsportsmanlike conduct."

And as a followup:

"Summary for Super Bowl LX

If you are watching for the "fix" in the upcoming game:

• Watch for: Defensive Pass Interference. Shawn Smith's crew calls DPI at a higher-than-average rate compared to holding.
• Don't expect: A lot of offensive holding calls.
• The Fear: That a "Bill Leavy moment" happens in a crucial 4th quarter drive. However, Smith is statistically one of the more "neutral" referees in the modern NFL, unlike the distinct bias trends seen in crews like Jerome Boger or Scott Novak."

So, honestly - we could do worse. By a long shot. It's not Brad Allen or Clay Martin. And at least it wasn't Hussey. **** I hate that guy.

 

[94Smith]

Refs have been pretty good through the playoffs. The only controversial call was in the Buffalo game I think?

 

[glenwo2]

3. The Umpire Factor (Roy Ellison)The Umpire (who stands in the offensive backfield) is Roy Ellison. He is known for being strict on player conduct and interactions. If tensions flare (as they often do in Seahawks/Pats games), Ellison is quick to flag unsportsmanlike conduct."

In other words, Riq Woolen needs to shut the hell up and just play ball.

 

[Torc]

In other words, Riq Woolen needs to shut the hell up and just play ball.

I was pretty OK with cutting him slack, he's a young guy and all that.

But if you can't keep it together in the super bowl, then there isn't any chance of teaching you.

 

[pmedic920]

In spite of my best efforts, I made it to 50 years old recently. So, I'm a big enough boy now that I'm emotionally and psychologically prepared for the game to go either way tomorrow. What I'm not prepared for, nor should anyone be, is a repeat by the zebras of a certain Superbowl that shall remain nameless. I can handle defeat, what I refuse to accept is betrayal and/or corruption. So, referees, you're not the main character, you're in a supporting role. Call a clean game and stay out of it, please.

Go Hawks.

Here ya go.

I agree ten fold.

Bad call thread (superb owl LX)

Keep it Clean Keep it fair is all we ask. GoRefs

www.seahawks.net

 

[hugecanoli]

I just hope they Let Them Play.

For the love of all things holy….LET THEM PLAY.

 

[cymatica]

I'm going to stop complaining about being 42. Thanks guys

 

[AROS]

I was pretty OK with cutting him slack, he's a young guy and all that.

But if you can't keep it together in the super bowl, then there isn't any chance of teaching you.

Reminds me of DK who would be precisely “that guy” who even on the biggest stage on the planet would cause some idiotic personal foul that could cost the game.

I feel Riq learned his lesson or at least it’s still too fresh for him to F up tomorrow.

 

[Jayburd14]

I have gotten over the loss in XLIX because it was decided by the players and coaches in fact I believe that was one the best officiated Superbowls in my lifetime. Had XL been officiated by the XLIX crew we would be getting ready for our 3rd Lombardi.