The Houston Texans scored a late touchdown to defeat the Indianapolis Colts and lose the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Texans held a 2-13-1 record heading into the final week of the season and appeared destined to secure the coveted first overall pick. Houston simply had to lose to the Colts, who have struggled in 2022 themselves owners of a 4-11-1 record.
However, the players appeared to not get the memo. Houston's starters refused to give in and rallied hard as quarterback Davis threw for 298 yards and three touchdowns. The third and final score was particularly peculiar as it has damning implications on the upcoming draft, which the franchise can use to add high-quality talent to their roster.
Late in the fourth quarter with the score 31-24 in favour of the home Colts, Mills drove the Texans deep into opposition territory before the drive stalled. The quarterback opted to launch a 28-yard Hail Mary into the endzone - and the prayers of Chicago Bears fans were answered as Jordan Aikens came down with his second score of the game.
Rather than kicking the extra point as expected to tie the game 31-31, Texans head coach Lovie Smith inexplicably opted to go for the bold two-point conversion. Mills completed the pass to Aikens once more to clinch their third win of the season and gift the Bears the number one pick.
The Bears fell to the Minnesota Vikings in their final regular season game, with the NFC North champions triumphing 29-13. Chicago's loss paired with the incredible scenes in Indianapolis ensured the Bears have leapfrogged their AFC counterparts.
Amid reports Smith's job could the line, he pulled no punches to ensure the Texans came away from the Lucas Oil Stadium with the win. It was a game Houston were in control of late in the game, leading 24-14 in the third quarter but the Colts responded with 17 unanswered points.
The Texans then pulled off the miraculous winning drive to the disbelief of almost every fan watching the events unfold but, fortunately for the AFC South bottom-dwellers, the Bears already have a young star quarterback at the helm in Justin Fields. This makes it far more likely to mean Houston opt for a generational pass-rusher - but they won't select a quarterback.
Perhaps Chicago decide Alabama's Bryce Young is a better fit for their franchise than Fields, but Houston should still get their man at quarterback. The last time the Bears had the first overall pick in a draft was 1947 - perhaps they will add a playmaker and make it another 75 years before it happens again.
