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Broncos Reach AFC Title Game on OT Win Over Bills After Controversial Interception

Referee Carl Cheffers said Brandin Cooks did not complete the catch and confirmed the ruling on replay, prompting sharp criticism from Bills coach Sean McDermott.

Overview

  • On third-and-11 in overtime, Ja'Quan McMillian was awarded an interception on Josh Allen’s deep throw to Brandin Cooks, a call Cheffers defended under the NFL’s catch-process rule and confirmed via expedited review.
  • McDermott called a timeout to slow the review and later blasted the handling of the decision, saying he believed it was a catch and questioning why the play was not examined more thoroughly.
  • Denver converted the turnover into a 75-yard drive aided by two defensive pass interference penalties on Tre'Davious White, and Wil Lutz kicked the game-winning 23-yard field goal for a 33-30 victory.
  • Allen finished with four turnovers as Buffalo committed five overall; the quarterback grew emotional postgame and said he received no explanation from officials on the overtime ruling.
  • Denver advances to the AFC Championship with Jarrett Stidham starting after Bo Nix suffered a season-ending broken ankle in the win.