NFL Ref Explains Controversial Ja'Quan McMillian Interception After Bills' Playoff Loss to Broncos

NFL referee Carl Cheffers discussed the controversial interception by Denver Broncos defensive back Ja'Quan McMillian in overtime of the Buffalo Bills' 33-30 loss to the Broncos in the divisional round of the playoffs.

Cheffers said that Bills wide receiver Brandin Cooks last possession of the ball as he hit the ground:

Bills head coach Sean McDermott also discussed the call after the game.

"It's hard for me to understand why it was ruled the way it was ruled," McDermott told reporters after the game. "If it is ruled that way, then why wasn't it slowed down? Just to make sure that we have this right. That would've made a lot of sense to me, to make sure that we have this thing right because that's a pivotal play in the game. We have the ball at the 20, maybe kicking a game-winning field goal right there."

"What went on is not how it should go down, in my estimation," he added.

After Denver punted on the first possession of overtime, Buffalo had the ball with a chance to win the game. Bills quarterback Josh Allen threw a deep pass to wideout Brandin Cooks, who initially appeared to catch the ball before it was ripped away by McMillian for the interception.

McDermott called a timeout after the play as the Broncos' offense rushed onto the field, but it ultimately wasn't overturned.

Former NFL referee and current CBS Sports rules analyst Gene Steratore agreed with the interception ruling.

McMillian finished with one tackle to go along with the pick.

After the turnover, the Broncos drove 75 yards to the Bills' five-yard line. Denver eventually advanced to the AFC Championship Game with a game-winning kick by Wil Lutz from 23 yards out.

Ball security was an issue for the Bills throughout the contest, as they committed five turnovers compared to just one for the Broncos.

Allen was responsible for four giveaways, losing two fumbles and tossing a pair of interceptions.

The Broncos' overtime victory was impressive, although they'll have to move forward without quarterback Bo Nix after he suffered a season-ending fractured bone in his ankle.

Meanwhile, the Bills' quest for a Super Bowl title fell short once again.