Overview
- Officials upheld Ja’Quan McMillian’s overtime interception of a Josh Allen pass intended for Brandin Cooks in Denver’s 33-30 win, with referee Carl Cheffers saying the defender completed the process of the catch as Cooks lost control going to the ground.
- One day later, Davante Adams was ruled down by contact on a similar contested grab against Chicago, an on-field call announced by Shawn Hochuli that preceded a Rams touchdown and a 20-17 overtime victory.
- Bills coach Sean McDermott could not challenge under overtime rules, called a timeout seeking clarity, then criticized the expedited confirmation from New York and the lack of a fuller review on a game-defining play.
- NFL rules executive Walt Anderson defended the rapid confirmation, saying replay confirmed the on-field ruling and prioritized avoiding unnecessary stoppages, while Dean Blandino and Terry McAulay said the differing outcomes aligned with going-to-ground and football-move standards.
- Players, pundits and fans questioned consistency as figures such as Richard Sherman and Terrell Owens blasted the Cooks ruling, Joe Burrow said both calls were correct, and the league has not announced any rule or process changes.