Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen threw an interception to Denver Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian in a 33-30 overtime loss of the divisional round of the NFL playoffs on Saturday evening.
Facing 3rd-and-11 at his own 36-yard line with the game tied at 30-30, Allen threw a deep pass intended for wide receiver Brandin Cooks. The veteran receiver appeared to initially haul in the pass, but McMillian emerged with the ball and the Broncos were awarded an interception.
Denver then went 75 yards on six plays (with the help of a few more penalties) before kicking a 23-yard game-winning field goal. That game-winning drive was set up by McMillian’s controversial interception:
Just a remarkable play by Ja’Quan McMillian
pic.twitter.com/bWOMFaNtJH— Parker Gabriel (@ParkerJGabriel) January 18, 2026
After the game, NFL referee Carl Cheffers defended the decision in a pool report interview.
“The receiver has to complete the process of a catch,” Cheffers said, via ESPN’s Cameron Wolfe. “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.”
When asked if the ball hit the ground, Cheffers said, “No. That was confirmed in the replay process. The interception was confirmed.”
Following Saturday’s victory, Denver is now set to host the AFC Championship game next weekend. The win came at a massive cost, though, as the Broncos lost starting quarterback Bo Nix to a season-ending ankle injury. Denver is now set to start Jarrett Stidham in the AFC title game and — if they make it — the Super Bowl.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL news: Ref defends call on Ja’Quan McMillian-Brandin Cooks play
