NFL reportedly assigning an ‘All-Star’ officiating crew for Chiefs-Rams game

On paper, Monday night’s Chiefs-Rams game is merely the final game of the NFL’s Week 11 schedule.

In reality, this is a huge game as both teams enter with a 9-1 record and a MVP candidate. The Rams have running back Todd Gurley and the Chiefs counter with quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

So, yeah, this is marquee matchup. And the NFL is apparently treating it that way.

ESPN reported that the NFL is assigning an “all-star” officiating crew for the game, which kicks off at 7:15 p.m. and will be shown locally on KMBC (Ch. 9).

Kevin Siefert of ESPN wrote: “Referee Clete Blakeman will work the game with only two members of his regular crew, umpire Ramon George and down judge Dana McKenzie. The other five officials — including Jim Lapetina, who will handle replay — were plucked from four other crews.

“The approach is similar to how the NFL assigns officials to playoff games, a process that is based on performance and seniority rather than crew. But it is rarely, if ever, employed before the postseason. Officials typically work on the same eight-person crews throughout the regular season to maximize continuity and familiarity among members.”

ESPN identified the crew working with Blakeman as Ramon George (umpire), Dana McKenzie (down judge), Rusty Baynes (line judge), Dale Shaw (field judge), Brad Freeman (side judge), Tony Steratore (back judge) and Jim Lapetina (replay official).

ESPN’s Adam Schefter called the NFL’s decision unprecedented:

Seifert wrote: “An officiating source said Sunday that the five officials added to Monday night’s crew are all highly respected and have performed well this season.”

You can read more of the ESPN story here.