INDIANAPOLIS – In a dramatic comeback, in a game meaningless except for pride and prime draft position, the Texans managed to defeat the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.
And how the Texans’ last-minute 32-31 victory unfolded was nearly as interesting as the high draft stakes involved in this AFC South game with the outcome meaning the franchise has earned the second overall pick of the draft with a 3-13-1 record instead of drafting first overall. The Chicago Bears lost to the Minnesota Vikings and now hold the top overall pick of the draft.
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“Whenever you play, you play to win the game,” Texans coach Lovie Smith said.
When asked if he expects to return as coach, Smith replied:
“Do I expect to be back?” Smith said. “Yeah, I expect to be back absolutely.”
Texans quarterback Davis Mills, intercepted twice previously with one returned for a touchdown, threw up a desperation lob into the end zone that went through the outstretched arms of Colts defensive back Rodney Thomas and into the waiting hands of tight end Jordan Akins. Akins’ unlikely 28-yard touchdown catch, which arguably should have been intercepted, brought the Texans to within one point. And the Texans executed a two-point conversion pass as Mills connected with Akins again for the game-winning score.
With that score and the ensuing defensive stand, the Texans won the game. They could still wind up with a franchise quarterback, such as Alabama’s Bryce Young or Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud should the Bears go defense with the first overall pick considering they already have their quarterback with Justin Fields under contract.
As Texans defensive end Rasheem Green grabbed his legs, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Sam Ehlinger made an inexplicable, ill-fated decision to throw the football while falling to the ground.
Texans defensive end Jonathan Greenard pounced on the errant pass, batting it to himself and scooting 39 yards into the end zone.
Greenard’s first NFL touchdown helped boost Texans to a 17-7 halftime lead Sunday in the final game of the season at Lucas Oil Stadium. They led the Colts 17-14 in the third quarter a after a Zack Moss touchdown run.
In an otherwise meaningless game, the Texans’ fired-up effort has them on a path to losing the top overall pick of the draft. That status would change to drafting second overall and the Bears earning the first pick should they continue to trail the Minnesota Vikings with Justin Fields not playing and Nathan Peterman under center for Chicago.
Wide receiver Brandin Cooks, in what is highly likely to be his final game for the Texans given that he has communicated a standing trade request, has caught four passes for 76 yards and one touchdown on four targets.
The Texans got off to a fast start as quarterback Davis Mills has completed 10 of 14 passes for 119 yards and one touchdown for a 120.8 passer rating.
The Texans have intercepted a wild Ehlinger twice as he threw into heavy traffic and was picked off by veteran middle linebacker Christian Kirksey.
Ehlinger, a former University of Texas starter, completed 12 of 16 passes for 89 yards, one touchdown to Michael Pittman Jr., and two interceptions in the first half. He’s been sacked twice with rookie Christian Harris and Kirksey combining for one and once by Maliek Collins to end the first half.
Now, the Texans head into a busy offseason.
Aaron Wilson is a contributor to KPRC 2 and click2houston.com