The lasting image of the Houston Texans’ offense in their 23-20 loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 3 will be quarterback Davis Mills’ checkdown to running back Rex Burkhead being deflected by defensive end Angelo Blackson — and linebacker Roquan Smith intercepting the pass and returning it to the Houston 12-yard line.
However, that was not the worst pick Mills threw on the afternoon.
With 45 seconds to go in the first quarter, Mills chucked an interception in the end zone looking for receiver Brandin Cooks. Bears defensive back Eddie Jackson stole the possession and ensured the Texans would not get any points from rookie safety Jalen Pitre’s first career interception.
“Brandin was the primary there,” Mills told reporters after the game. “It was tight coverage by the defense. He made a good play on it and tipped the ball up, and their safety ended up finding a way to get back in the play and pick it off.”
The interception took points off the board. Even if the Texans had to settle for a 19-yard field goal, they would have been protecting a three-point lead on the offense’s final drive. At best, they would have ben milking the clock with a seven-point lead.
Mills, who finished going 20-32 for 245 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions with a 70.4 passer rating, recognizes the squandered opportunities. Pitre collected a second interception early in the fourth quarter, and the Texans immediately went three-and-out.
Said Mills: “Yeah, our defense is playing well. To create those turnovers, we’re aggressive on offense. We want to come and take advantage of those opportunities and score touchdowns in those situations so we can keep putting points on the board.”
Houston falls to 0-2-1 on the season. The Texans go home to host the Los Angeles Chargers for a Week 4 tilt Sunday at 12:00 p.m. on Oct. 2 at NRG Stadium.
