The Buffalo Bills didn’t need the officials to rig their win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
Despite being the more penalized team (seven penalties for 45 yards compared to the Broncos’ three flags for 27 yards), the Bills outgained Denver 471-224 in total yards on their way to a 31-7 win in the wild card round in front of 70,332 fans at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York.
Josh Allen destroyed the Broncos defense, going 20-of-26 passing for 272 yards and two touchdowns. He added 46 yards on the ground.
Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen and Bill Vinovich had a conversation
A move Allen made during the game went viral on social media Sunday. NFL referee Bill Vinovich was caught by the CBS broadcast patting the head of Allen during the Bills’ onslaught of the Broncos in the third quarter.
Vinovich supposedly talked to Allen about what the Bills believed was a missed holding call in the end zone.
Refs assuring Josh Allen in the sideline? What is this? pic.twitter.com/uHUqhD8rpP
— Denver Broncos 365 (@DailyBroncos) January 12, 2025
Fans on social media took issue with the meeting.
NFL fans didn’t like the optics
“The call was bad but it’s not a good look to see a ref on the sideline talking to the quarterback,” wrote a fan
“Wondered about that, too. I’ve seen refs explain calls to coaches, but to go clear over to the bench to explain it to the QB? Curious,” posted another.
A Bills fan was for it.
“EVERYONE has been asking for more accountability by the refs. The ref touches his chest and is absolutely apologizing for the missed holding call in the end zone. I might not have ever seen this before but it’s still refreshing to see. Need more accountability by refs in the game,” posted the fan.
“This guy has been known for shady calls in playoffs I knew it once I saw his crew was there. Not the reason they lost Vance Joseph is. They need to move on from him I cannot stress that anymore. Need to move on from pj locke and dj jones. Remove the guys that just stand still,” wrote another.
“They may have missed a call but seeking a QB on the sidelines in the middle of a playoff game to “apologize” or whatever is…. well… unprecedented. Shows a lack of impartially. If this was Mahomes y’all would be SCREAMING,” suggested a fan.
Following the win on Sunday, the Bills will host the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round on Jan. 19.
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