Los Raiders de Las Vegas demostraron que todavía tienen mucho que corregir, pero también que cuentan con la capacidad de reaccionar cuando las cosas se complican.
Las Vegas remontó una desventaja de 17 puntos para derrotar 22-20 a los Texanos de Houston el jueves por la noche en la segunda semana de la pretemporada, consiguiendo su primera victoria de cara a la campaña 2026. Los Malosos llegaron a estar abajo 20-3 al medio tiempo antes de anotar 19 puntos sin respuesta en la segunda mitad.
La remontada terminó con Aidan O'Connell liderando una ofensiva de 96 yardas con la ofensiva de dos minutos. El mariscal de campo culminó la serie con un acarreo anotador de una yarda cuando quedaban apenas 14 segundos en el reloj, dándole la ventaja por primera vez en el partido a los Raiders.
La defensa se encargó del resto. Devin Lafayette interceptó a Brett Rypien en los segundos finales para sellar la victoria de Las Vegas.
Los Raiders terminaron acumulando 400 yardas totales, muy por encima de las 219 de Houston, aunque también cometieron nueve castigos para 83 yardas.
Fernando Mendoza tuvo una noche complicada en su segundo partido de pretemporada, en el cual fungió como mariscal de campo titular al no ver acción Kirk Cousins y la gran mayoría de los titulares a la ofensiva. El novato jugó toda la primera mitad y terminó completando 8 de 15 pases para 86 yardas.
Su momento más difícil llegó temprano. En su tercer pase, Mendoza lanzó una intercepción que Wade Woodaz regresó 80 yardas a la zona de anotación, extendiendo la ventaja de Houston a 14-0. Mendoza también fue capturado una vez y recibió varios golpes detrás de una línea ofensiva que enfrentó a la segunda unidad defensiva de Houston.
Pero la primera selección del Draft de la NFL no escondió la lección que se lleva de una semana muy productiva en Houston, entre la práctica en conjunto con los Texanos y el partido del jueves.
"Me quedé con la sensación de que todavía hay mucho más por aprender", reconoció Mendoza. "Aunque quizá tuve mucho éxito en otro nivel, este nivel es un paso más adelante. Los márgenes son tan pequeños que un solo error puede llevar a una catástrofe. Así que quiero asegurarme de que mis compañeros y yo mejoremos a partir de estas experiencias."
Y eso será especialmente importante para Mendoza de cara al inicio de la temporada regular, cuando gran parte de su desarrollo para eventualmente tomar las riendas de la ofensiva tendrá que darse durante las sesiones de entrenamiento.
"Tenemos experiencia como entrenadores desarrollando jugadores cuando no son titulares y no comienzan un partido", aseguró el entrenador en jefe Klint Kubiak. "Se trata de llegar temprano y quedarse hasta tarde. Se trata de utilizar las herramientas tecnológicas que tienes a tu disposición, pero realmente depende mucho del coach (Mike) Sullivan, pasando algunas mañanas temprano y noches largas con Fernando (Mendoza) y Aidan (O'Connell). Pero también puedes incorporar repeticiones para los jugadores jóvenes durante las prácticas. Hay cosas que puedes hacer. Nunca es tan bueno como tener todas las repeticiones en la práctica, pero haces lo mejor que puedes con lo que tienes."
O'Connell entró al partido en la segunda mitad en lugar de Fernando Mendoza y terminó siendo el protagonista de la remontada. Completó 15 de 24 pases para 166 yardas y dirigió la serie ofensiva que terminó dándole la ventaja definitiva a Las Vegas. Antes del touchdown, conectó con Brandon Johnson en una jugada de 33 yardas que dejó a los Raiders en la yarda uno de Houston, de donde el mariscal de campo de cuarto año llevó el balón a la zona de anotación con un acarreo donde el empuje de sus compañeros lo metieron a las diagonales para poner al frente a los Malosos.
"El campo de entrenamiento es duro para todos, es un proceso exigente, y poder ver que todo ese esfuerzo da frutos de esta manera es algo increíble", es como describió O'Connell poder cerrar el partido de esa forma. "Celebrarlo con los muchachos es la razón por la que juegas este deporte."
La remontada no fue solamente producto de la ofensiva. La defensa de los Raiders comenzó a crear oportunidades que permitieron que Las Vegas regresara al partido.
En el tercer cuarto, Patrick Johnson provocó un balón suelto con una captura de mariscal de campo, dándole a la ofensiva el ovoide en territorio enemigo, consiguiendo su primer touchdown producto de esta pérdida de balón. La defensa también consiguió sacar a Houston del campo en tres ocasiones con tres-y-fuera, algo fundamental para mantener viva la remontada.
Después de que los Raiders finalmente tomaron la ventaja 22-20 en los últimos segundos, la defensa tuvo una última misión: cerrar el partido. Y lo hicieron. Con Houston buscando avanzar en los segundos finales, los Raiders consiguieron una intercepción de Devin Lafayette que selló definitivamente la remontada y aseguró la victoria en Houston.
La remontada fue valiosa precisamente porque los Raiders tuvieron que superar varios problemas propios. Las Vegas cometió nueve castigos y tuvo una primera mitad que dejó mucho que desear. Aun así, el equipo encontró la manera de darle la vuelta al partido.
"Lo que sobresale es la resiliencia, porque nosotros mismos nos disparamos en el pie", dijo Kubiak. "Tuvimos nueve castigos, cinco en equipos especiales. La primera mitad fue atroz. Comenzamos lentos en ambos lados del balón y, en la NFL, todo se trata de ganar el partido. Así que luchamos hasta el final y encontramos la manera de ganar, y así será toda esta temporada. Todos estos partidos llegarán hasta el final, y puedes aprender mucho sobre los jugadores en las prácticas, pero aprendes muchísimo más cuando las balas están volando en un partido, y anoche aprendí mucho sobre algunos jugadores, y de una manera positiva."
La reacción comenzó en el tercer cuarto, cuando Dylan Laube anotó en un acarreo de cuatro yardas para acercar a Las Vegas a 20-10. Más tarde, Dare Ogunbowale vacunó a su ex-equipo al recorrer 19 yardas por tierra para otro touchdown, aunque el punto extra fallado dejó el marcador 20-16. Después llegó la serie de O'Connell y el touchdown que completó la remontada.
Aunque se trata de un partido de pretemporada, cada repetición tiene un peso enorme para los jugadores que están tratando de ganarse un lugar en el roster de 53. Kubiak dejó claro que el video de este partido será particularmente importante para evaluar a los jugadores que compiten por un puesto.
"Estas jugadas en el partido son las más valiosas que podemos utilizar", dijo Kubiak sobre el proceso de cara al recorte final. "No se trata solamente del video de la defensa, sino también de cómo se están desempeñando en equipos especiales, porque muchos jugadores en esas posiciones tienen que demostrar su valor en los equipos especiales. Jugadores en los que podamos confiar. Así que fue muy útil para muchos jugadores."
Ese aspecto será fundamental en los próximos días. La pretemporada está entrando en su etapa final y la competencia por los últimos puestos del roster comienza a intensificarse.
Para los Raiders, la victoria en Houston dejó dos caras muy diferentes: una primera mitad llena de errores, castigos y problemas ofensivos, y una segunda mitad en la que el equipo mostró carácter para remontar una desventaja considerable.
No fue una actuación perfecta. Pero para Kubiak, quizá precisamente ahí estuvo el valor de la noche. Los Raiders regresaron a Las Vegas con marca de 1-1 en la pretemporada y cerrarán su calendario de exhibición la próxima semana ante los 49ers de San Francisco en el Estadio Allegiant.
View the best photos from the Raiders' preseason Week 2 game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
The locker room prior to the Las Vegas Raiders' arrival for their preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
The locker room prior to the Las Vegas Raiders' arrival for their preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
The locker room prior to the Las Vegas Raiders' arrival for their preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
The locker room prior to the Las Vegas Raiders' arrival for their preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak arrives to the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) arrives to the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) arrives to the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) arrives to the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (10) arrives to the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Alex Ward (47) arrives to the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (5) arrives to the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) arrives to the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) arrives to the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) arrives to the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Buddy Johnson (59) arrives to the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) arrives to the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) arrives to the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Connor Heyward (34) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Greedy Vance (22) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Tyler Duzansky (46) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tristin McCollum (27) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jacob Clark (16) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jacob Clark (16) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (9) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Deven Thompkins (83) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Atonio Mafi (56) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Treydan Stukes (31) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver E.J. Williams Jr. (88) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (85) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dare Ogunbowale (32) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jermod McCoy (28) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Patrick Gurd (45) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Gary Smith III (75) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Chris Myarick (41) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Alex Ward (47) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dareke Young (81) before the Raiders' preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Roman Hemby (37), wide receiver Deven Thompkins (83) and wide receiver Dareke Young (81) before the Raiders' preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) before the Raiders' preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders quarterbacks before the Raiders' preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) before the Raiders' preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) before the Raiders' preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) before the Raiders' preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Chase Roberts (86) before the Raiders' preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Keyron Crawford (42) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tristin McCollum (27) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (9) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Phillip Dorsett II (13) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Connor Heyward (34) before the Raiders' preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Caleb Offord (39) before the Raiders' preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders before the Raiders' preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) before the Raiders' preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak before the Raiders' preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) warming up before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) during the national anthem before the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) makes a tackle during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tristin McCollum (27) celebrates making a tackle during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Patrick Johnson (93) defends during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Treydan Stukes (31) makes a tackle during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Treydan Stukes (31) and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) make a tackle a tackle during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Patrick Gurd (45) lines up before the kick during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) passes during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (9) runs after making a catch during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) rushes during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) celebrates after making a first down during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) rushes during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) celebrates during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) celebrates during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Hezekiah Masses (35) walks on the field during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) lines up for the snap during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) lines up before the snap during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Patrick Johnson (93) makes a tackle a tackle during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Folorunso Fatukasi (63) makes a tackle during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) and safety Treydan Stukes (31) make a tackle a tackle during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) rushes during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) rushes during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) calls a play before the snap during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Connor Heyward (34) and running back Dylan Laube (23) celebrate during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) blocks during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Connor Heyward (34) rushes during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
A football during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the sidelines during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) on the sidelines during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) runs after making a catch during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Matt Gay (14) kicks a 52-yard field goal during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Matt Gay (14) kicks a 52-yard field goal during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Buddy Johnson (59) and safety Tristin McCollum (27) celebrate during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) lines up before the snap during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jermod McCoy (28) walks on the field during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) rushes the quarterback during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Hezekiah Masses (35) makes a tackle during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Segun Olubi (50) lines up before the snap during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) defends during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Dalton Johnson (43) makes a tackle during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle JJ Pegues (92) defends during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55), defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) and defensive end Jahfari Harvey (91) celebrate making a tackle during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55), defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) and defensive end Jahfari Harvey (91) celebrate making a tackle during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) and linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) celebrate making a tackle during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) makes a catch during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) makes a catch during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) breaks a tackle during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center/guard Jordan Meredith (61) lines up before snapping the ball to quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders defense huddles on the field during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Keyron Crawford (42) walks on the field during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Segun Olubi (50) lines up before the snap during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Keyron Crawford (42) defends during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jermod McCoy (28) lines up before the snap during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Jahfari Harvey (91) rushes the quarterback during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (85) lines up before the kick during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Roman Hemby (37) rushes during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) on the bench during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) rushes during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Chase Roberts (86) makes a tackle during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) lines up before the snap during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Kwity Paye (95) on the sidelines during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) defends during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Keyron Crawford (42) lines up before the snap during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Gary Smith III (75) celebrates after recovering a fumble during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) lines up for the snap during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Deven Thompkins (83) runs after making a catch during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Chris Myarick (41) lines up before the snap during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) calls a play before the snap during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) rushes into the end zone for a 4-yard touchdown during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) rushes into the end zone for a 4-yard touchdown during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) rushes into the end zone for a 4-yard touchdown during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) celebrates with tight end Chris Myarick (41) after making a 4-yard rushing touchdown during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center/guard Jordan Meredith (61) celebrates with running back Dylan Laube (23) after making a 4-yard rushing touchdown during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (9) celebrates a touchdown on the sideline during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Dalton Johnson (43) and cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) make a tackle during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Jahfari Harvey (91) defends during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland (90) defends during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Jahfari Harvey (91) forces a fumble during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Jahfari Harvey (91) forces a fumble during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Devin Lafayette (40) and wide receiver Chase Roberts (86) makes a tackle during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Buddy Johnson (59) lines up before the snap during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jacob Clark (16) on the sidelines during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) on the sidelines during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) on the bench during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver E.J. Williams Jr. (88) runs after making a catch during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver E.J. Williams Jr. (88) runs after making a catch during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dare Ogunbowale (32) rushes during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dare Ogunbowale (32) rushes during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Dalton Wagner (78) blocks during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) looks for a receiver during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Noah Brown (33) runs after making a catch during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) takes the snap during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Roman Hemby (37) rushes during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dare Ogunbowale (32) rushes into the end zone for a 19-yard touchdown during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dare Ogunbowale (32) rushes into the end zone for a 19-yard touchdown during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4), running back Dare Ogunbowale (32) and wide receiver Phillip Dorsett II (13) celebrate a 19-yard rushing touchdown during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Dalton Wagner (78) and center Will Putnam (67) celebrate a touchdown during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Dalton Wagner (78) celebrates a touchdown during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Buddy Johnson (59) makes a tackle during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Greedy Vance (22) makes a tackle during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Keyron Crawford (42) lines up before the snap during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Buddy Johnson (59) celebrates during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) runs after making a catch during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) looks for a receiver during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) runs after making a catch during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Brandon Johnson (82) makes a catch during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Devin Lafayette (40) is congratulated by teammates after intercepting a pass during the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak shakes hands with Houston Texans Head Coach DeMeco Ryans after the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (9) signs autographs for fans after the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak addresses his players in the locker room after the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders celebrate in the locker room after the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) and guard Atonio Mafi (56) in the locker room after the preseason away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium.
