McDermott Defends Bills’ Playoff Exit
Sean McDermott passionately defended Buffalo’s performance following their postseason loss, asserting that a vital catch was misjudged and that the Bills should still be in the running.
Brandin Cooks was in position to receive a deep pass from Josh Allen when Denver’s Ja’Quan McMillian stripped the ball away as they fell to the ground. The NFL later classified this play as an interception, which paved the way for Denver’s decisive scoring drive and their upcoming matchup against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship.
Coaching Changes Following the Loss
Just a day after Wil Lutz’s field goal put an end to Buffalo’s Super Bowl aspirations again, McDermott was dismissed as head coach, becoming the tenth coach in the league’s history to be let go.
In a heated post-game press conference, McDermott reiterated his belief that the play should have been ruled a catch and challenged the officiating explanations, stating that fans deserved clarity on the decision.
Referee’s Explanation
Referee Carl Cheffers clarified the ruling, explaining that the receiver needs to finish the catch process. Since Cooks lost possession on impact with the ground, McMillian was deemed to have completed the catch.
Post-Game Reactions
McDermott, unable to contest the ruling under overtime rules, exhausted a timeout for further clarification, which he found unsatisfactory. He expressed his frustrations, highlighting the critical nature of the moment in the game.
Support for McDermott came from various figures, including former cornerback Richard Sherman and ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky, who insisted that it should have been ruled a catch. In contrast, Hall of Famer Sterling Sharpe argued that the officials made the correct decision based on historical catch rules.
Players’ Perspectives
McMillian described the moment as a competitive struggle for the ball, emphasizing his successful play. Cooks, while initially believing he had made the catch, acknowledged his responsibility to secure the ball more decisively.
Coaches Weigh In
In a response to McDermott’s complaints, Denver coach Sean Payton pointed out another significant missed call regarding a potential safety earlier in the game, suggesting that call issues could have been a theme throughout the matchup.
