CBS Sports: NFL referee Bill Vinovich and Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen faces heavy criticism following a heated argument during the Broncos game.
The Buffalo Bills defeated the Denver Broncos on Sunday without the officials’ help.
In front of 70,332 spectators at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, the Bills defeated Denver 31-7 in the wild card round, outgaining Denver 471-224 in total yards despite being the more penalized side (seven penalties for 45 yards vs the Broncos’ three flags for 27 yards).
Josh Allen went 20-of-26 for 272 yards and two scores, destroying the Broncos defense. On the ground, he gained 46 yards.
Bill Vinovich and Josh Allen, the quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, spoke.
On social media on Sunday, a move Allen made during the game went viral. The CBS broadcast captured NFL referee Bill Vinovich rubbing Allen’s head during the Bills’ third-quarter assault on the Broncos.
According to reports, Vinovich discussed what the Bills thought was a missed holding call in the end zone with Allen.
Josh Allen being reassured by referees on the sidelines? What is this? uHUqhD8rpP pic.twitter.com/
— January 12, 2025 Denver Broncos 365 (@DailyBroncos)
Social media users criticized the meeting.
The optics didn’t sit well with NFL fans.
“The call was poor, but having a referee on the sidelines chatting to the quarterback is not a good look,” a fan remarked.
I was also curious about that. Referees have explained calls to coaches before, but why would they approach the quarterback on the bench to do so? “Interesting,” another person wrote.
The Bills fan supported it.
“Everyone has been requesting that the referees be held more accountable. The referee taps his chest and expresses sincere regret for the end zone holding call that was missed. Even if I haven’t seen this before, it’s still a welcome change. The fan wrote, “The referees in the game need to be held more accountable.”
“He has a history of making dubious calls during the playoffs.” When I noticed his team was present, I knew. Not the cause of Vance Joseph’s departure. They must get over him; I can’t emphasize it enough. It’s time to get over DJ Jones and DJ Locke. Another said, “Get rid of the guys who just stand still.”
Even if they could have missed a call, it is uncommon to have a quarterback on the sidelines during a playoff game to “apologize” or anything like. demonstrates a lack of objectivity. A fan said, “You guys would be yelling if this were Mahomes.”
The Bills will meet the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round on January 19 after their victory on Sunday.
