Here's how referee for Bills-Broncos explained call on Brandin Cooks interception

The gut-wrenching and controversial overtime for the Buffalo Bills against the Denver Broncos has some answers.

At least, as far as what the referees were thinking in the moment.

Ending the Bills' only drive on offense in overtime was a pick by Broncos defender Ja'Quan McMillan on a pass from Buffalo's Josh Allen. It was a 50-50 call on the play because many believed Bills wideout Brandin Cooks caught it and McMillan stole it away.

The ensuing Broncos' drive completed the 33-30 final score.

In a pool reporter interview after the game, referee Carl Cheffers explained the decision made on the field.

Not that it will make anyone in Bills Mafia feel much better, but here was the explanation given:

"The receiver has to complete the process of a catch. He was going to the ground as part of the process of the catch and he lost possession of the ball when he hit the ground. The defender gain possession of it at that point. The defender is the one that completed the process of the catch, so the defender was awarded the ball."

The full pool transcript can be found below:

Pool report from #Bills vs. Broncos with head official Carl Cheffers. pic.twitter.com/ybHiWRz1Rs— Chris Brown (@ChrisBrownBills) January 18, 2026

This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Referee for Bills-Broncos explains call on Brandin Cooks interception