The difference between winning and losing can come down to the slimmest of margins, as evidenced by a controversial call in the Buffalo Bills’ recent playoff game against the Denver Broncos.
The Razor’s Edge of Victory and Defeat
Table of Contents
Exploring how outcomes shape—and sometimes distort—our perception of process.
- Sports offer a stark illustration of the relationship between effort and results.
- A single judgment call can have far-reaching consequences, impacting careers and strategies.
- Focusing solely on outcomes can lead to overcorrection, while ignoring them entirely is equally problematic.
- A sense of deserving success is rooted in a sound process, even in the face of loss.
The sting of defeat is universal, but it’s in sports that the line between triumph and heartbreak feels particularly stark. Last weekend, the Buffalo Bills’ playoff hopes were dashed in overtime against the Denver Broncos, all hinging on a single, debated play. Bills quarterback Josh Allen launched a deep pass on third-and-11, aimed for Brandin Cooks. Both Cooks and Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian converged near the Denver 20-yard line, seemingly with simultaneous possession as they hit the ground.
Officials ruled it an interception by McMillian, handing possession to Denver. The call immediately sparked controversy, landing squarely within the ambiguous territory of the NFL’s catch-and-control rules. A completion would have been the result if Cooks had secured possession before the ball moved; an interception if the catch process was incomplete. Because the ruling depended on the subjective timing of “simultaneous possession” versus the ground process, analysts and officials remain divided. It was, ultimately, a judgment call that could have easily gone the other way depending on how control was interpreted.
That interception didn’t guarantee a Denver win, but a catch by Buffalo almost certainly would have, leaving them with a manageable field goal attempt for victory. Denver ultimately prevailed 33–30. The emotional fallout was immediate: Allen was visibly devastated, shedding tears after the game. Just days later, Buffalo coach Sean McDermott was fired, demonstrating how a 50/50 call can trigger a cascade of effects.
Process vs. Outcome: A Delicate Balance
What does a loss like this tell us about processing setbacks? How do we use outcomes to refine—or not refine—our approach? The answer isn’t as straightforward as some might suggest. Former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick famously championed the mantra “Trust the process.” That philosophy held weight during his Super Bowl-winning years, but lost its luster when the desired outcomes—wins—dried up. We can only truly trust a process that consistently delivers results; when that connection breaks, it’s time for a critical review, or even a complete overhaul. To disconnect process from outcome is to lose touch with reality.
However, a purely quantitative view of outcomes—win or lose—can be misleading. Losing by a narrow margin is fundamentally different than a blowout, and reacting to the former by dismantling a system that simply needs refinement can be a costly mistake, potentially what the Bills just did in firing McDermott. Effective leadership and change management require a constant cycle of outcome review and process adjustment. The two are inextricably linked, yet must be treated as distinct entities. Winning doesn’t equate to perfection, and losing doesn’t mean everything is flawed. The real challenge lies in identifying which adjustments to make—a task complicated by the lack of clear answers and the risk of unintended consequences.
The Importance of “Deserving”
The concept of deserving is crucial. One can fail despite doing everything “right,” but hoping for success without earning it is a fool’s errand. A belief in a sound process is essential for fostering a sense of deservingness. In team endeavors—involving employees, partners, vendors, customers, and even referees—it’s unrealistic to hold oneself solely accountable for the outcome. For someone like Allen, it’s more productive to find solace in a well-executed process or to identify minor adjustments for future improvement.
Ultimately, the question Allen—and all of us—should ask is: “Based on my process, did I deserve a positive outcome?” If the answer is yes, then it’s time to regroup and prepare for the next challenge.
