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McDermott blasts refs after Bills' playoff loss to Broncos

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Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott openly criticized NFL officials after a controversial overtime interception cost his team a playoff win against the Denver Broncos. The disputed play occurred on third-and-11 when receiver Brandin Cooks appeared to make a catch but was stripped by Broncos cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian.

McDermott argued the play should have been reviewed on the field, calling it "too big" to ignore. Because overtime challenge rules prevent coaches from initiating reviews, he used a timeout to demand clarity. He expressed frustration that the on-site officials didn’t have the same review capabilities as those in New York.

Referee Carl Cheffers defended the call, stating Cooks did not complete the catch process after losing possession upon hitting the ground. McDermott stood firm, saying he was "pissed off" and felt the league failed to ensure fairness. The loss continues Buffalo’s playoff disappointment under his leadership.

The Broncos capitalized with a game-winning drive that included two defensive pass interference penalties against Buffalo, a rare occurrence in overtime. The defeat raises further questions about officiating consistency and Buffalo’s ability to advance past the divisional round.