The Buffalo Bills fell to the Denver Broncos in a heartbreaking overtime 33-30 loss in the AFC divisional round. Once again, Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Co. failed to reach the Super Bowl.
Allen took responsibility for his part in the loss. The reigning MVP committed four turnovers — two interceptions and two fumbles. Despite these mistakes, however, several of the referee calls during overtime could have changed the outcome.
In particular, the refs calling Brandin Cooks’ catch an interception. “I’m standing up for Buffalo, damn it,” Bills head coach Sean McDermott told reporters after the game. “What went on, that’s not how it should go down in my estimation…
“The fans deserve more. The players certainly deserve more… and it’s a shame that a game is decided on a call like that.”
“We’re not just going to sit here and take it,” he continued. “I’m pissed off about it, and I feel strongly as I’ve looked at it in review in my own locker that it’s a catch, possession Buffalo, and that process should’ve been handled differently.”
Allen’s younger sister, MaKenna Allen, who flew to Denver for the Bills-Broncos showdown, also didn’t shy away from calling out the league.
Josh Allen’s Sister Called ‘BS’ on the NFL
GettyBroncos’ Ja’quan McMillian intercepts a pass intended for Bills wide receiver Brandin Cooks in overtime during the AFC Divisional Playoff game.
During overtime, Allen connected with Brandin Cooks, who appeared to make a big catch near the 20-yard line, but Broncos’ Ja’Quan McMillian came away with the ball.
While it looked like Cooks was down by contact, it was ruled an interception. If Cooks’ catch held, the Bills were in field goal range and could’ve won the game with a short kick. CBS Sports rules expert, Gene Steratore, said during the broadcast, “I’m not sure that Cooks has possession coming to the ground,” but many viewers disagree, including Allen’s sister.
“Such BS,” MaKenna wrote on her Instagram Stories, “do better NFL.” She included a screenshot of the play.
NFL writer John Frascella posted on X, “This may go down as the most controversial call of ALL TIME. Brandin Cooks has it, knee hits the ground. McMillan comes up with it afterward… Broncos ball?? I guess I just don’t understand football anymore.”
NFL analyst Colin Cowherd posted on Threads, “That’s a catch. Thats (in a moment) the ballgame.”
The Refs Shared a Statement on Why They Ruled Brandin Cooks’ Catch an Interception
Referee Carl Cheffers shared in the pool report after the game, “The receiver has to complete the process of a catch. He was going to the ground as part of the process of the catch and he lost possession of the ball when he hit the ground. The defender gained possession of it at that point. The defender is the one that completed the process of the catch, so the defender was awarded the ball.”
While analysts can argue over whether Cooks had possession when he hit the ground, a thorough replay would’ve helped.
WGR 550’s Sal Capaccio posted, “The person/people who should give an answer about the Cooks play isn’t referee Carl Cheffers. It’s whoever is in charge of replay review. A pool report with Cheffers is fine, but he doesn’t decide to have an extended review or not.
Bills QB Josh Allen’s Sister Slams NFL for Controversial Call