Coach Dave Canales Furious Ahead of Panthers vs Saints, Calls on NFL to Replace Officiating Crew After a Series of Controversial Calls.
🏈 Tension Rising Before Kickoff
Charlotte, North Carolina. Ahead of Sunday’s matchup between the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium (November 9, 2025), head coach
“I don’t want this game to turn into a debate, but I can’t stay silent when my players are paying the price for bad calls.
I teach them how to fight with respect for the game, and the NFL should teach them what fairness means.
If fairness doesn’t exist, then this isn’t football anymore.”
Dave Canales said, his tone calm but heavy with emotion.
⚖️ Officiating Crew Under Fire After Questionable Performances
According to Football Zebras, the assigned officiating crew, known as Crew #5, has been responsible for the highest rate of offensive penalties in the NFL
In games this season, including Week 3 vs Falcons and Week 6 vs Raiders, the Panthers suffered
The head referee of Crew #5, Tra Blake, has faced growing scrutiny over the past few years.
Once promoted to referee in 2022, Blake was reassigned back to umpire after the 2024 season, a rare demotion in modern NFL history, following a series of high-profile mistakes:
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Vikings vs Rams (2022): missed a blatant facemask penalty that cost Minnesota a touchdown.
Chiefs vs Chargers (2023): criticized for uneven penalty calls in the second half.
Packers vs Giants (2024):
Despite the reassignment, Blake was brought back to lead a crew in 2025, but many teams, including the Panthers, believe he has yet to restore consistency or credibility.
🔥 Dave Canales: “If I get fined for telling the truth, so be it”
When asked whether he feared a fine from the league, Canales didn’t hesitate:
“If they fine me for telling the truth, I’ll take it.
I’m not here to create chaos, I’m here to protect my players.
They’re out there bleeding and sweating for this city, and they deserve a fair game.”
Sources from ESPN Charlotte
🕊️ A Game of Trust and Integrity
With the Panthers sitting at 5–4 and the Saints struggling at 1–8, the matchup already carried playoff implications. But after Canales’ comments, the focus has shifted, from football strategy to
Panthers fans flooded social media with hashtags like #FairGameForPanthers and #NoMoreBadCalls, calling for transparency and accountability from the NFL.
“We don’t need favors. We just need fairness.
And Coach Canales said exactly what every Panthers fan has been thinking.”
Lions’ Practice Squad Move Hints LaPorta Won’t Be Ready for Eagles Clash
Coming off their Week 10 victory against the Washington Commanders, the Lions made quick work to add to their practice squad.
The Lions worked out tight ends Anthony Firkser and Thomas Gordon Tuesday morning, opting to sign the more established Firsker. Gordon is a 2025 UDFA who spent the spring with the San Antonio Brahmas of the UFL en route to a contract with the Chicago Bears during training camp, before being released.
Detroit is still seeking stability on its injury report, with Terrion Arnold and Kerby Joseph the most notable injuries the team is monitoring headed into Week 11 against the Philadelphia Eagles. It could be a good sign for Arnold's availability, at the very least, that the team decided to opt for depth at tight end rather than at cornerback for their upcoming game.
Lions sign TE help amidst Brock Wright's run-blocking woes
Firkser was a UDFA in 2017 out of Harvard, bouncing around with the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets. He'd find stability in Tennessee with the Titans from 2018 to 2021. Firsker has spent the last four seasons going between five NFL teams, including the Lions in 2023.
Firsker has totaled 115 receptions for 1,207 yards and five touchdowns in his NFL career.
With the addition of Firsker, the Lions have released offensive lineman Jack Conley from their practice squad.
Conley signed with the Lions last week amid injuries on the offensive line, including Christian Mahogany being placed on injured reserve. The Lions now have Devin Cochran, Netane Muti, Kingsley Eguakun, Chris Hubbard, Michael Niese, and Mason Miller as reserve offensive linemen on the practice squad.
Currently, the Lions are healthy at tight end with Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, and Ross Dwelley all healthy. The addition of Firsker may be to add some competition as a blocking option, with LaPorta's backup, Wright, having issues as a run blocker. Wright has graded out as a 50.6 per PFF as a run blocker, which is below league average.
Additionally, LaPorta cropped up on the Lions' injury report on Thursday, with the tight end listed as having a back injury. This would make Firsker's signing make even more sense.
With Firsker having plenty of experience, he'll likely be elevated if he spends an extended amount of time on the Lions roster. Firsker has appeared in 78 regular-season games, including seeing significant time on both offense and special teams.
