After a couple days did the tie seem more understandable?

No, it was stupid and cowardly for no reason.

The Texans aren't playing for the playoffs, they have no reason to fear a loss as the consequences of trying to win.

 

They are not thinking like that. The Texans think they can surprise people.

 

Ties are worthless unless you are trying to save the world from nuclear war:

 

You lost me at "making the playoffs"

 

The tie was always understandable because it's the Texans. They've been conservative ever since the name selection.

 

I think we as fans are thinking if we don't make the playoffs then get a high pick but I don't think that is what the coaches and players are thinking. Bravado is great and all but I bet if anyone had money riding on the game if the texans lost then there would not be a single person who would say go for it there. Again chances of winning on a 4th and 3 (bc even if you pick it up, you still have to advance the ball) were significantly less than not picking it the down and colts scoring after taking over on downs

 

With a 20-3 lead we were rounding 3rd base and about to get some, then we tied, sorta like we slammed right into a chastity belt. For those that might know what that is... https://tenor.com/view/carmen-electra-meet-the-spartans-funny-hot-gif-18570942

 

This is classic Lovie Smith… he is the most conservative coach you will ever find. I am not at all surprised he played for the tie. FWIW he seems a little more mellowed and not as arrogant as he was with the Bears.

 

Yup… good ole mediocre. Not good, but not the worst… .500%

 

Still a bad decision for a team not even close to making a playoff. They're surprising no one.

 

Being that we are a bad team and fans are already being swayed away, I felt going for the win is the only option.

I’m never ok with playing not to lose.

 

I didn't have issue with settling for the tie in that moment. After giving up that big lead, then dodging the bullet with their kicker blowing the FG, I could see Lovie not wanting the hit to his team's morale by STILL losing the game. And honestly the team wasn't giving much confidence that they would be able to get those 3 yards. My bigger issue was the terrible play call on 3rd and 1, and the personnel he had on the field at the time. Should have never been a decision on 4th down.

 

Exactly this. First year coach. First game of the season. Young team. Instill confidence, or let them learn.

You're not making the playoffs. You win some, you lose some. Let's see what your quarterback has, and if he doesn't have it, we're one more loss closer to a new quarterback.


Let's reverse the question. Mills doesn't do well this season. This tie is the difference between us getting the clear cut number one quarterback and settling for the number 2 guy. You still happy with it?

 

The question could just as easily be asked if they go for the 4th down, win the game and then THAT ends up being the difference between the first pick or not. You still happy that they went for it?

 

In the moment, yes, because at least you're still playing to win the game.

I get your point, but I think the frustration lies in athletes and coaches, paid millions to do their jobs, openly not trying to win.

 

I don’t really mind it. It’s the very definition of playing not to lose instead of playing to win, which I get is frustrating, but this organization really did not need another soul crushing loss.

 

That last part hits home

 

if the Rockets org said the same thing we’d call it what it is, delusion.

 

8-7 with a tie, win a weak division, lose to the first decent playoff team you face.

Textbook Houston Texans football. Why strive to be great when average is so easily attainable?