January 3, 1993 was almost a dark day in Houston Oilers history. The team led 35-3 in the third quarter, but Frank Reich, backup QB for the two-time defending AFC champion Buffalo Bills, leads what looks like a miracle rally in front of the home crowd, scoring four touchdowns and almost getting a fifth. However, Reich overthrew Andre Reed, and the Bills settled for a field goal to make it 35-34. The Bills tried an onside kick but didn't convert, and Warren Moon and the Oilers ran out the clock and won. Fortunately for the Oilers, they recovered and won the following week against the Steelers and then defeated the Dolphins 27-17 to go to that amazing Super Bowl, where they upset the heavily favored Dallas Cowboys in overtime.
What if Reich makes that pass? I don't see the Oilers winning if he does. Does the NFL ever adopt the two-point conversion, since the fact that the Bills lost by one when a two-pointer could have sent it to OT and given the Bills a chance to win was the deciding factor in adding the rule (ironically with the Oilers being the deciding vote.) Does Mobil Stadium get built? Or does the city pony up to keep a team that can't win the big one? That stadium deal ended up being a model for other deals. It's hard to picture the NFL without it.
What if Reich makes that pass? I don't see the Oilers winning if he does. Does the NFL ever adopt the two-point conversion, since the fact that the Bills lost by one when a two-pointer could have sent it to OT and given the Bills a chance to win was the deciding factor in adding the rule (ironically with the Oilers being the deciding vote.) Does Mobil Stadium get built? Or does the city pony up to keep a team that can't win the big one? That stadium deal ended up being a model for other deals. It's hard to picture the NFL without it.