The Raiders vs. Texans preseason game had plenty of drama as Las Vegas came back from a 20-3 deficit to beat Houston 22-20 on Thursday night. The Raiders looked out of the game early, but a strong second half completely changed the result.

Texans Put Pressure on Mendoza

The Raiders vs Texans preseason matchup delivered far more drama than expected, as Las Vegas overcame a 20-3 deficit to stun Houston 22-20 on Thursday night. After a difficult week that included a heated joint practice, the Raiders showed composure when it mattered most and finished with a 17-point comeback victory.

The Las Vegas Raiders have not turned out as the Raiders of the pre-season as they came from behind in Houston, overcoming early struggles only to eventually finish ahead by a narrow margin, having failed to gain ground and exposing rookie quarterback Fernando Mondello to multiple sacks. The Raiders did what the Raiders do best as they pulled off an upset as underdogs in Houston as they pulled off a 22-20 win on the road over the weekend.

Mendoza was good, but the hits took their toll when he stood in the pocket

as he finished 9 of 15 passing attempts for 77 yards and an interception, while also being sacked once and hit five times.

“I think it was more of a lesson for me at this level,” Mendoza said.

Raiders Defense Comes Alive

The Raiders did what they needed to do on the ground as they put on a show for their fans as they put up a strong rookie who is set to make an impact this season.

Washington was sensational once again for Las Vegas as the fourth round rookie erupted for a 33-yard run on his first career carry, then exploded for a 56 yard run in nine total carries, while also catching six passes for 63 yards in a brilliant debut performance for Week 1.

Laube also had a 37 and a touchdown run while catching six passes for 63 and former Texans’ running back Dare Ogunbowale scored on a 19 yard run.

Las Vegas’ defense was up to the challenge in the second half as they flipped the switch and created the stops they needed to flip the game as they were held to just one score in the third quarter after surrendering 20 points in the first half.

Johnson and Harvey each had a strip sack in the second half, with Harvey recovering the fumble.

“Great game by our defense flipping that game in the second half,” Kubiak said.

O'Connell Delivers When It Matters

Speaking of opportunities, the Raiders defense delivered when it mattered most as quarterback Aiden O’Connell had to wait until his turn before delivering the winning scoring drive for Las Vegas. The QB led the Raiders on a 96 yard opening drive as they tied the game, following his three yard touchdown strike to Johnson, then later finished it off with a one-yard quarterback sneak.

“We have to be able to finish games in the second half,” O’Connell said of the Raiders’ dramatic win.

Business Fortune believes that while the Raiders came from behind in Houston, they will be looking ahead to their final pre-season matchup against the 49ers.

 

FAQs

Who won the game between the Raiders and the Texans?

The Raiders won with a final score of 22-20.

What was the turning point in the game?

The turning point came in the game when Las Vegas’ defense did not allow Houston to score in the second half.

How did Mike Washington Jr. perform in the game?

Washington rushed for 56 yards on nine carries and a 33 yard run on his first career carry.

Who scored the game-winning touchdown?

O’Connell scored the game-winning touchdown.

Who will the Raiders face in their final preseason game?

The Raiders will face the San Franscisco 49ers.