Image Source: Ian Casselberry
Key Takeaways
- The Denver Broncos defeated the Buffalo Bills 33-30 in overtime in their AFC divisional round playoff game
- A controversial pass interference penalty on Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White led to the Broncos’ game-winning field goal
- The penalty, combined with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on White, gave the Broncos a first-and-goal at the 5-yard line
- The Broncos’ win was their first playoff victory since 2015
- Bills fans are likely to be upset about the call, as well as two other plays in the game, for the remainder of the offseason
Introduction to the Game
The Denver Broncos have advanced to the AFC championship game after defeating the Buffalo Bills 33-30 in overtime. The game was a thrilling matchup, with the Broncos ultimately emerging victorious. However, the win was not without controversy, as a penalty on Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White led to the Broncos’ game-winning field goal. As the article states, "After the Broncos took over following an interception by Ja’Quan McMillian, quarterback Bo Nix threw a pass to Marvin Mims Jr. down the left sideline. However, Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White was called for pass interference on the play, costing Buffalo 30 yards and giving Denver a first-and-goal at the 8-yard line."
The Controversial Penalty
The penalty on White was a crucial moment in the game, and one that will be debated by fans and analysts for a long time. White appeared to collide with Mims before the ball reached him, and also pulled on the receiver’s left arm, which drew the flag. However, White disagreed with the call and slammed his helmet to the ground while arguing with a referee, which resulted in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. As the article notes, "White appeared to collide with Mims before the ball reached him, in addition to pulling on the receiver’s left arm. That’s presumably what drew the flag." The penalty moved the ball half the distance to the goal line, giving the Broncos a first-and-goal at the 5-yard line.
The Aftermath of the Penalty
The penalty on White, combined with the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, essentially sealed the win for the Broncos. As the article states, "A game-winning field goal from Wil Lutz was likely even before White’s unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. But getting three yards closer certainly didn’t hurt his chances of sending the Broncos to the AFC championship game." The Broncos’ quarterback, Bo Nix, followed with a kneeldown to put Lutz in the best position for the kick, and the nine-year veteran easily kicked a 23-yard field goal, right through the middle of the uprights, for the Broncos’ first playoff victory since 2015.
Other Controversial Plays
The call on White was not the only controversial moment in the game. Two plays earlier, Taron Johnson was flagged for interfering with Courtland Sutton on a 17-yard play on second-and-10 from the Broncos’ 47-yard line. Additionally, the Broncos gained possession on a questionable interception in which it could be argued that Brandin Cooks either didn’t have control of the ball or was down by contact when he and McMillian hit the ground. As the article notes, "Those two plays accounted for 47 yards worth of penalties in approximately one minute and 26 seconds. Combine those plays with the Broncos gaining possession on a questionable interception… and Bills fans have three moments that will keep them hot with rage."
Conclusion
The Denver Broncos’ win over the Buffalo Bills was a thrilling matchup, but one that will be remembered for the controversial penalty on Tre’Davious White. The penalty, combined with the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, gave the Broncos a first-and-goal at the 5-yard line and essentially sealed the win. As the article states, "They’ll likely be angry through the night, if not for the next seven to eight months while a team besides theirs has an opportunity to win the Super Bowl yet again." The Broncos will move on to the AFC championship game, while the Bills will be left to wonder what could have been.
https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/bills-tredavious-white-slams-helmet-after-decisive-pass-interference-call-channeling-buffalo-fans-frustration-014614098.html