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41m ago

Back-to-Back Playoff Rulings Reignite NFL Catch Rule Scrutiny

Back-to-back decisions have refocused attention on the catch definition, replay transparency, and overtime challenge limits.

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Denver Broncos cornerback Ja'quan McMillian reaches in on Buffalo Bills wide receiver Brandin Cooks who has the ball and whose knee is on the ground during overtime at Empower FIeld at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Jan. 17, 2026.
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Overview

  • Officials upheld Ja’Quan McMillian’s overtime interception over Brandin Cooks in Bills-Broncos via expedited review in New York, a ruling that ended Buffalo’s season.
  • Because coach challenges are not permitted in overtime, Bills coach Sean McDermott could not contest the call and later criticized the speed and clarity of the review process.
  • The next day in Rams-Bears, Davante Adams was ruled to have completed the catch and to be down by contact on a similar contested reception, setting up a Los Angeles touchdown.
  • Referee Carl Cheffers said Cooks lost control while going to the ground, while rules analyst Terry McAulay said Adams completed an act common to the game; Gene Steratore rejected simultaneous-possession arguments on the Bills play.
  • Fans, analysts, and former players blasted the apparent inconsistency, with Terrell Owens calling for an investigation, while the NFL has issued no reversal or policy change.