McDermott Criticizes Call Behind Bills’ Defeat and His Dismissal
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott strongly criticized a controversial call that impacted his team’s playoff hopes. Following their defeat to the Denver Broncos, McDermott expressed frustration over the ruling of an interception that ultimately led to Denver’s game-winning drive.
Controversial Interception Decision
The pivotal moment occurred when wide receiver Brandin Cooks appeared to catch a 44-yard pass from quarterback Josh Allen. However, as Cooks fell to the ground, defensive back Ja’Quan McMillian wrested the ball away, leading officials to rule it an interception. This decision enabled the Broncos to advance to the AFC Championship against the New England Patriots.
McDermott, after the game, continued to contest the call, stating that he believed it was a catch. During a discussion with Jay Skurski from The Buffalo News, he reiterated that the call was incorrect and demanded an explanation for the ruling.
Referee’s Explanation
Referee Carl Cheffers later clarified that according to NFL rules, the receiver must complete the catch process, which includes maintaining possession when hitting the ground. This ruling was consistent with what is known as the “Calvin Johnson rule.” This rule mandates that a player must secure possession throughout the entirety of the catch, especially when going to the ground.
- McDermott’s Stand: “I’m standing up for Buffalo,” he asserted.
- Support: Former cornerback Richard Sherman and analyst Dan Orlovsky backed McDermott, insisting it should have been ruled a catch.
- Contrasting Opinion: Hall of Fame tight end Sterling Sharpe defended the ruling, affirming it was correct based on existing rules.
Cooks admitted that while he initially believed he had made a catch, he recognized that he needed to secure the ball better to avoid any ambiguity about the possession. He noted, “I own it.”
Aftermath of the Game
The defeat marked a bleak end to Buffalo’s playoff aspirations, leading to McDermott’s dismissal as head coach. He became the 10th head coach to face job elimination in the NFL this season. His departure followed a season marked by high expectations but ultimately disappointing results.
Denver head coach Sean Payton also commented on the game, suggesting that the issue could have extended beyond the interception, citing a potential safety that was not called earlier in the same drive.
Conclusion
The controversial interception call has sparked a significant debate among fans and analysts alike. As Buffalo looks to rebuild, the focus now shifts to finding a new head coach who can lead the franchise forward following this disappointing season.
