A week after being shut out by the Philadelphia Eagles, the Las Vegas Raiders flipped the script in a competitive 23-21 loss at the hands of the Houston Texans.
The odds were not in the favor of the Raiders by any means, having recorded 75 offensive yards just seven days ago and facing a Texans defense that had allowed the fewest points and yards this season.
But with their backs against the wall, they fought.
This was the Silver and Black's first game since Week 9 in which they scored more than 20 points and eclipsed the 300-yard mark.
"This is the best defense in the NFL and they've been doing it week in and week out and been on a roll," Pete Carroll said postgame. "We went into it knowing that and considering how we're going to find our ways. I thought that Greg [Olson] and the fellas, they came up with a great opportunity for our guys to go ahead and play free and play that kind of football where we could make big plays and we could make things happen and move the football."
While the offensive showing from the Raiders was vastly improved, there were still hiccups. On their second possession of the game, Geno Smith threw his 15th interception which resulted in a touchdown return for cornerback Derek Stingley Jr.
Smith was looking for running back Ashton Jeanty in the flat, throwing off his back foot with pressure. Stingley picked it off and went untouched for 31 yards to make the game 7-0 early in the first quarter.
Fortunately for the Silver and Black, their defense picked up the pace to alleviate early struggles. The Raiders held the Texans to 19 yards and a 25 percent third-down conversion rate on third down in the first quarter.
Heading into the second quarter, Smith took a shot down the field with his rookie receiver Jack Bech for a 37-yard completion. On third-and-six in the red zone, the Raiders quarterback made up for his interception with a dart to Brock Bowers for a 7-yard touchdown. The tight end caught the defense sleeping in zone coverage, hitting a stutter step towards the middle of the end zone.
After starting the game 0-of-4, Smith completed seven straight passes to get to the end zone. This was Bowers' seventh touchdown grab on the season, as the Raiders tied the game at seven with 12:30 left in the first half.
The defense continued to hold their own against Houston and forced them to settle for two field goals by Ka'imi Fairbairn from 55 yards and 50 yards. The Raiders trailed 13-7 at the half.
A little over five minutes into the third quarter, Smith struck gold once again. Reminiscent to their 29-yard pass completion from Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts, the quarterback found Jeanty deep on a wheel route. The rookie running back shed a tackle and scampered into the end zone for 60 yards.
Rebounding into action after missing Week 15, Smith went 16-of-23 for 201 yards and two touchdowns on the day. He completed a pass to eight different receivers while the offense went 6-of-14 on third down.
Jeanty's touchdown gave the Raiders their first lead in a game since Week 11 against the Dallas Cowboys. However, the lead was short-lived, as the Texans scored on back-to-back drives with a 49-yard field goal from Fairbairn and a touchdown pass to tight end Dalton Schultz at the goal line.
Yet, Jeanty had found a rhythm and continued to dominate.
With less than six minutes in regulation, Smith handed the ball off to Jeanty. The running back bouncing left off the line of scrimmage, broke another tackle and sprinted 51 yards to the end zone to cut the lead down to two points.
The No. 6 overall pick finished with career highs in rushing attempts (24) and scrimmage yards (188) with this also being his first game since Week 4 with multiple touchdowns.
"We come and practice hard every week, but I think we brought that energy today," Ashton Jeanty said on *Raiders Gameday*. "On the sideline, before the game, we were all together, united. We just kept fighting no matter what. Whether it was a bad play, whether it was a missed tackle, we just kept fighting and kept playing. Obviously it didn't end our way, but extremely proud of the team for playing better against one of the better teams in the NFL."
The Raiders offense waited patiently on the sidelines for another chance to step on the field to win the game, an opportunity that never arose. With 5:24 left in regulation, the Texans managed to stay on the field to close it out. A pass interference call against Darien Porter on third-and-20, along with a 37-yard grab by Nico Collins on another third down was enough to seal the deal.
"All season long there's been a lot things that I wish we could've done better, but what I'm really proud of is just the way that we continue to fight," Geno Smith said. "The spirit of this team and the spirit of the locker room, guys are continuing to hold the rope and that's really all you can ask of the guys. And you can continue to see where we're getting better, but it's still not enough.
"I'm not the guy who really harps on moral victories, but I appreciate the way these guys fought."
View photos from the Raiders' Week 16 matchup against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) on the sidelines during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45), defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) and defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) and cornerback Greedy Vance (41) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) makes a 7-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) makes a 7-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) celebrates with guard Caleb Rogers (76) after making a 7-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Raheem Mostert (31) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders huddle during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive end Charles Snowden (49) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jon Rhattigan (59) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) goes for a 60-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs after making a 60-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs after making a 60-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs after making a 60-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) runs after making a 60-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates after making a 60-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates with teammates after making a 60-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates with quarterback Geno Smith (7) after making a 60-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) and linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jamal Adams (33) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Devin White (45) and linebacker Jamal Adams (33) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tyler Lockett (17) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44), punter AJ Cole (6) and safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) and defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (97) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes for a 51-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes for a 51-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes for a 51-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates with teammates after rushing for a 51-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) and defensive end Tyree Wilson (9) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (22) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (97) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.
