Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott expressed fierce criticism of officiating after a controversial overtime interception call contributed to his team’s playoff loss to the Denver Broncos, arguing that the pivotal play should have been ruled a completion.
In a tense AFC divisional round matchup, the Buffalo Bills fell 33-30 to the Denver Broncos in overtime, but the game’s outcome was heavily influenced by a disputed call late in the extra period. With the Bills driving for a potential game-winning score, quarterback Josh Allen targeted wide receiver Brandin Cooks on a third-down pass, leading to a scuffle for the ball that officials ruled an interception by Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian.
The ruling centered on whether Cooks had completed the catch process before McMillian wrestled the ball away. Referee Carl Cheffers explained postgame that Cooks was going to the ground as part of the catch and lost possession upon impact, with McMillian gaining control, thus upholding the interception after a review by league officials in New York. However, this explanation did little to appease McDermott and the Bills, who felt the play warranted a more thorough on-field examination.
McDermott, visibly upset, did not hold back in his postgame comments, telling reporters, “I’m standing up for Buffalo, damn it. I’m standing up for us.” He emphasized that the play was “not even close” and should have been called a catch, criticizing the lack of a slowed-down review by the head official at the stadium. His frustration was compounded by the fact that overtime rules prevent coaches from challenging plays, leaving the review solely to the league’s replay system.
In a pool report after his news conference, McDermott expanded on his grievances, stating, “The fans deserve more. The players certainly deserve more. They deserve an explanation.” He argued that the process was flawed because the head official did not get to review the play personally, relying instead on decisions from New York. McDermott added that he had watched the replay multiple times in the locker room and remained convinced it was a catch, saying, “I’m pissed off about it, and I feel strongly… that the process should have been handled differently.”
Cooks, the receiver involved, acknowledged that he believed he made the catch but should have secured the ball better to avoid controversy. Meanwhile, Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White, who was penalized for pass interference on the Broncos’ ensuing game-winning drive, also voiced discontent with the officiating, suggesting that referees “don’t know ball.” These sentiments echoed across the team, with several players taking to social media to express their dismay.
The interception proved decisive, as the Broncos capitalized on the turnover to kick a field goal and secure the win, advancing to the AFC championship game. For the Bills, the loss extends a long drought without an AFC title, dating back to 1993, and raises questions about their ability to overcome critical moments in high-stakes games. McDermott’s outburst highlights the emotional toll of such narrow defeats and the ongoing debates over officiating consistency in the NFL.
Looking ahead, the Broncos will prepare for their next playoff opponent, while the Bills face an offseason of reflection. The incident has sparked discussions about potential reforms in replay review processes, especially in overtime scenarios. As the league continues to grapple with the balance between technology and human judgment, this game serves as a reminder of how a single call can alter the course of a season.
