Bills’ Cooks Reflects on Controversial Interception in Playoff Loss

During the Bills’ divisional round defeat against the Broncos, wide receiver Brandin Cooks openly addressed the contentious interception that ultimately led to Buffalo’s exit from the playoffs.

On “Good Morning Football” this past Thursday, Cooks shared that it was “no surprise” he made the catch in overtime, setting up a potential game-winning field goal attempt. However, the play was credited as an interception by cornerback Jaquan McMillian.

“At the end of the day, it was a harvest,” Cooks stated. “It wasn’t just how it appeared; it was about how it felt.”

He further noted that this season, as well as last, had seen plenty of examples around the league suggesting similar situations—“Wait a minute, that’s a trap.” To him, there was “no question” it was indeed a trap.

Several of Cooks’ teammates took to social media asserting their belief that he had indeed caught the pass, contributing to the Bills’ heartbreaking 33-30 loss in overtime.

McMillian recounted his perspective following the Broncos’ win, which set them up for a matchup against the Patriots in the upcoming conference championship. He explained, “He stepped on me and I just fought back and finished the play. He actually dropped the ball, and I put my hand on it and was able to take it from him. I fell on top of him and just held it up for the fans.”

The game officials opted not to review the play, as challenges aren’t permitted during overtime. A league replay official in New York later assessed the situation and confirmed the ruling.

Since Sean McDermott’s dismissal as head coach, he has mentioned taking a timeout after the interception because it was an “incredibly important play,” expressing concern that he hadn’t paused the game for a review.

Referee Karl Chaffers clarified in a pool report that McMillian was awarded the ball after completing the catch. “Receivers have to complete the process of catching,” he explained. When McMillian hit the ground, he lost possession, but the referee determined the defender had already gained control.

This critical interception significantly influenced the Bills’ return home and contributed to McDermott’s firing after a nine-season tenure with the team.

Meanwhile, Bills general manager Brandon Beane has now been elevated to president of football operations and will spearhead the search for the team’s next head coach.

In a notable press conference on Wednesday, Beane refuted claims that McDermott’s firing was a “power play.” Owner Terry Pegula stated that the decision stemmed from the outcome of the game in Denver.