Dean Blandino takes a look at some trends in the NFL through two weeks of the season — including passing yards still being way down.
Dean Blandino
Former NFL VP of Officiating
Dean Blandino is the former Vice President of Officiating for the NFL, and is currently a rules analyst for Fox Sports in addition to working with the newest iteration of the XFL as “VP of Officiating, Playing Rules Innovation.”
Blandino was first hired as an intern in the NFL’s officiating department, and after the 1994 season became a full-time employee. Blandino’s role expanded in 1999 when he was tasked with organizing instant replay—a new aspect of the game introduced that season. He served as the replay official for two Super Bowls.
In addition to the NFL, Blandino has consulted on replay officiating for the Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-12, Mid-American and Mountain West conferences.
After a brief time away from the league, Blandino returned to the NFL in 2012, and was promoted to VP of Officiating in 2013, succeeding Carl Johnson, who briefly held the position after Mike Pereira left the league.
As the league’s top official, Blandino oversaw the full-time hire of Sarah Thomas as the NFL’s first female official. He served as an executive producer of “Her Turf,” an award-winning documentary following three female football referees as they navigate the male-dominated field.
Blandino became a rules analyst for Fox Sports in 2017. He is involved in the network’s NFL and college football coverage. Blandino also worked with the Alliance of American Football and the XFL.
Blandino grew up in Bellmore, New York and attended Wellington C. Mepham High School, where he played tight end. He graduated from Hofstra University in 1993.
Officiating Crews Could Give Broncos, Raiders Different Number of Penalties
Dean Blandino breaks down two officiating crews this weekend and how they will have an impact on the penalty-prone Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders.
Make The Call: Geno Smith Grounding Call Wrong, Interaction Hilarious
Dean Blandino says the officiating side of him was disappointed that the call of intentional grounding on Geno Smith was incorrect, but the announcement of the call to “America” was incredible.
Make the Call: Officials Missed DPI On Broncos’ 2-Point Conversion
Dean Blandino gives his take on whether officials missed a pass interference call on the Denver Broncos’ two-point conversion attempt on the final play of the game.
Make the Call: Jake Curhan Wasn’t Holding on Seahawks’ Winning TD
Dean Blandino explains why the officials got it right by not calling holding on Seattle Seahawks OL Jake Curhan against Aidan Hutchinson on the Seahawks’ overtime touchdown vs. the Detroit Lions.
Overreacting to 2023 NFL Week 1 Officiating
Dean Blandino crunches the numbers to compare 2023 Week 1 numbers, such as game time, passing yards and points, with those from 2022 — and some differences might surprise you. He also explains why you shouldn’t expect to see Jawaan Taylor so far off the line in Week 2.
Make the Call: NFL Not Officiating the Line of Scrimmage Well Enough
Dean Blandino thinks Kansas City Chiefs OT Jawaan Taylor was getting away with more than he should have regarding alignment against the Detroit Lions. Blandino says the officials must do a better job of monitoring the line of scrimmage.
Make The Call: Game Officials Got It Wrong on Derek Carr Pass/Fumble
Dean Blandino thinks the game officials got it wrong regarding Derek Carr‘s incompletion/fumble, saying it was clearly a fumble. Blandino is surprised instant replay did not overturn the original call.
Breaking Down 2023 NFL Officiating Points of Clarification
Dean Blandino explains four points of clarification officials will focus on during the 2023 NFL season.
New Kickoff Rule is Designed to Reduce Number of Returns
Dean Blandino says health is at the forefront of the new fair catch-kickoff return rule. The rule is designed to reduce the total number of returns for the 2023 season and beyond.