NFL rules analyst defends quick review of controversial Broncos interception: 'Want to move the game along'

Terron Armstead joins Jason McIntyre to discuss the matchups between the Broncos and Bills, Bears and 49ers, and Sam Darnold’s oblique injury.

NFL rules analyst Walt Anderson weighed in on the controversial interception ruling in overtime of the Denver Broncos’ victory over the Buffalo Bills on Saturday night.

Broncos defensive back Ja’Quan McMillian took the ball away from Bills wide receiver Brandin Cooks on a deep pass from Josh Allen. It appeared that Cooks had come down with the ball and that McMillian had taken it away after Cooks completed the catch. But NFL officials ruled that McMillian had intercepted the pass and created the turnover.

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Broncos cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian reacts after intercepting a pass intended for Buffalo Bills wide receiver Brandin Cooks during the divisional round playoff game, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Denver came down the field and scored the game-winning field goal to advance to the AFC Championship Game.

Anderson appeared on the NFL Network and explained that Cooks never had complete control of the ball as he hit the ground and because the ball was still loose in his arms, McMillian was able to secure it for the interception.

He also addressed the issue of why there was no proper explanation of the play. Head referee Carl Cheffers didn’t address the play to the crowd or the TV audience. Anderson said replay assistant and officials in New York reviewed the play quickly and made the call.

"Replay has all of these angles to take a look and see ‘was the ruling on the field wrong, or was the ruling on the field correct?’" Anderson said. "If you can confirm that the ruling on the field is correct, they