The Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos were in the midst of an instant classic when officials decided to take over the game late.
Two moon balls from Bo Nix were rewarded with pass-interference penalties to all but seal the game for the Broncos. Whether you agree with the calls or not, the officials went from letting both teams play to deciding the game late. The calls were even more frustrating, considering that Riley Moss got away with a clear defensive pass-interference in the end zone on Brandin Cooks late in regulation.
While the pass interference plays gave the Broncos a chip-shot field goal attempt to win the game, the most controversial call in the game came on the previous series with Buffalo’s offense on the field.
On 3rd and 11, Josh Allen dropped back and delivered a deep ball to Brandin Cooks down the field. Cooks clearly came up with the ball and was taken to the ground. After landing, Denver’s defensive back Ja’Quan McMillian came up with the ball.
The call was made quickly. Broncos ball on the interception. No review, no extended discussion with the officials. Nothing.
Sean McDermott, frustrated by the quickness of the decision, tried to call a timeout to get the play looked at. That extended review never occurred and has a lot of analysts, players and former players talking.
Buffalo would have been in business to win the game at the Broncos’ 20 had the play been ruled a catch. Instead of preparing for the AFC Championship Game, Buffalo is now done for the year.
Following the 33-30 overtime loss, Dion Dawkins took to social media with pictures of the play and a three-word response.
“Something gotta change.”
The NFL clearly has an officiating problem, but it’s hard to envision anything changing, as this has been an ongoing issue with the league for years.