Brandin Cooks sends heartfelt message to Bills fans and stands up for an emotional Josh Allen: “He’s been carrying us all year”

The Buffalo Bills were eliminated from the postseason by the Denver Broncos in a Divisional Round game that put quarterback Josh Allen and wide receiver Brandin Cooks in the spotlight.

A night to forget for Josh Allen

Considered by many to be the best quarterback in the league, Allen had a game to forget in Denver. The 2024 MVP was responsible for four turnovers, which proved decisive in Buffalo’s narrow overtime defeat. The 29-year-old was visibly emotional after the game, battling tears as he spoke to the media.

“It’s extremely difficult,” Allen said. “I feel like I let all my teammates down tonight. When you shoot yourself in the foot like that, you don’t deserve to win football games. I’m extremely sorry.”

Buffalo teammates rally around Allen

Despite his sub-par display, Allen was defended fiercely by several teammates, including Cooks. The two were at the heart of what was arguably the game’s most controversial - and crucial - moment, one that could have changed Buffalo’s night and even its season.

On 3rd and 11 in overtime at their own 36, Allen launched the ball deep into Broncos territory toward Cooks. The wide receiver got his hands on the ball just before Denver’s Ja’Quan McMillan tackled him. Cooks appeared to complete the catch and reach the end zone, but McMillan emerged from the tackle with the ball. The play was ruled an interception, leaving Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott and almost everyone watching in disbelief.

Cooks speaks out on Allen

Cooks also got emotional speaking to reporters after the game and made it clear Allen was not to blame for the crushing loss.

“He’s been carrying us all year. Somebody has to step up to be able to alleviate him. When you’re great and you feel like you have to do so much, you have the opportunity to be able to force some of those things.

“He’s the greatest quarterback in this league, everybody around him has to come up and be able to make plays so he doesn’t always have to be the one that feels, ‘I have to win this game.’”

Bills defeat “going to sting for a long time”

The reality of Buffalo’s playoff exit seemed to hit Cooks mid-interview. He broke down as he reflected on the end of the Bills’ Super Bowl hopes.

“We all feel emotional. You work so hard. Personally, I’m so thankful to be a part of this. I look back and think, ‘What could I have done to alleviate some of that pressure from him?’ You just love this game so much. When you come up short like this, it’s going to sting for a long time.”

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