Once again, the Buffalo Bills have suffered a brutally close playoff loss. This team has been so close to the promised land in recent years, but they just haven't been able to find their way through the AFC. This time, Buffalo's dream could have become a reality if not for a few controversial calls in overtime.
Most notably, a deep pass to Brandin Cooks that looked like a completion was instead called a Denver Broncos' interception. The game-changing call caused an uproar throughout the NFL.
Future Hall of Famer Richard Sherman made his feelings clear on the call after the game.
Richard Sherman sides with Bills on controversial call in playoff loss
After forcing the Broncos to punt on their first drive of overtime, the Bills were in a position to finish the game with a score and advance to the AFC Championship Game. Josh Allen threw a deep pass to Brandin Cooks, who seemingly came down with the ball. Instead, the referee credited Denver defensive back Ja'Quan McMillan with an interception. A few pass interference calls later, the Broncos hit a chip-shot field goal to win the game.
It was a devastating way to finish an electric game. Sherman took to "X" to set the record straight on what should have happened in the game's key moment. He said, "I have never seen a contested catch like this ever be called anything but a catch. Even as a DB you know that if it’s even a Tie it will go to the WR. Can’t believe this decided the game."
Even the legendary defender was able to put aside any biases to see that the call was clearly wrong. Sure, there is an argument to be made that Cooks never had complete control of the ball before McMillan ripped it out of his arms, but Sherm is right; the tie goes to the receiver. After Cooks went down, McMillan shouldn't have been able to continue the play.
In many scenarios, and for many teams, this wouldn't have been such a devastating blow. But for this Bills team in a season that was supposed to mark their triumphant return to the Super Bowl, this call was inexcusable.
Sherman's words may not be enough to comfort Bills fans after the loss, but the legend's clear disagreement with the call is another indication that something has to change about the way that the NFL is officiated.