Los Raiders estuvieron cerca de dar la campanada en Houston, pero el tiempo se agotó y Las Vegas terminó cayendo 23-21 ante los Texanos en un partido donde el esfuerzo y energía estuvieron presentes, aunque el resultado final volvió a ser adverso por noveno juego consecutivo.
"Era muy importante para nosotros", destacó el entrenador en jefe Pete Carroll sobre la respuesta del equipo tras ser blanqueados en Filadelfia la semana pasada. "Los triunfos grandes y las derrotas grandes te trabajan, te ponen a prueba. El reto era cómo responder y mostrar quiénes somos, y creo que eso fue exactamente lo que vimos, aunque desafortunadamente no ganamos".
La defensiva fue el pilar del equipo durante gran parte del encuentro. Forzó cuatro 'tres y fuera', limitó a Houston y solo permitió más de 35 yardas en tres series a lo largo del juego, manteniendo siempre con vida a la ofensiva.
El inicio fue complicado. Los Texanos abrieron el marcador con una intercepción regresada para anotación de Derek Stingley Jr., pero los Raiders no se desmoronaron. Geno Smith se asentó, recuperó el control y conectó un pase de touchdown de 7 yardas con Brock Bowers para empatar el partido. Aun así, Las Vegas se fue al medio tiempo abajo 13-7.
Las segundas mitades han sido donde los Malosos se han desmoronado recientemente, pero en esta ocasión los últimos dos cuartos se convirtieron en el 'Show de Ashton Jeanty'. En una jugada clave, tercera oportunidad con seis por avanzar, Jeanty quedó abierto por el costado izquierdo y Geno Smith lo encontró para un pase anotador de 60 yardas, dándole a los Raiders su primera ventaja del juego.
Houston respondió con 10 puntos sin respuesta, pero Jeanty volvió a aparecer, esta vez con un acarreo explosivo de 51 yardas, acercando nuevamente a Las Vegas en el marcador. Jeanty firmó el mejor partido de su carrera en la NFL con 24 acarreos para 128 yardas y una anotación, 1 recepción para 60 yardas y otro touchdown, para un total de 188 yardas y dos anotaciones.
"He seguido orando, confiando en Dios y confiando en que Él tiene un plan para mí y para este equipo", dijo Jeanty sobre su enfoque mental en medio de una temporada difícil. "Obviamente las cosas no han salido como queríamos, pero seguimos peleando. En este punto se trata de seguir confiando y construir algo de impulso para el cierre de la temporada".
Geno Smith, quien regresó tras perderse el juego ante las Águilas por lesión, terminó con 16 pases completos para 201 yardas y dos touchdowns. Fue la primera vez desde el duelo de la semana 12 frente a los Cafés de Cleveland donde sumó al menos 200 yardas por aire.
"Creo que se nos acabó el tiempo", fue como Smith describió la derrota. "Reconocimiento para los Texanos, tienen un muy buen equipo. Obviamente queremos ganar partidos, no solo quedarnos cerca. Eso no es suficiente, pero estoy muy contento con el esfuerzo del equipo".
En la defensiva, Devin White hizo historia al registrar 11 tacleadas en este partido, convirtiéndose en el líder histórico de tacleadas en una temporada para los Raiders con 160, dejando atrás las campañas de Robert Spillane (158 en el 2024) y Denzel Perryman (154 en el 2021). La unidad comandada por el coordinador Patrick Grahan tuvo un esfuerzo constante a pesar de no poder obtener capturas de mariscal de campo o generar pérdidas de balones.
"Nunca he dicho eso y no voy a decirlo ahora", fue como Pete Carroll rechazó con contundencia la idea de una 'buena derrota'. "Sabíamos exactamente cómo queríamos jugar este partido. Se trata de quiénes somos, de cuánto amamos este juego y de qué tan fuerte jugamos los unos por los otros. Me hubiera encantado estar jugando con ellos hoy".
Con este resultado, los Raiders quedan con marca de 2 ganados y 13 perdidos tras disputar su último partido en patio ajeno del 2025. Ahora regresan a casa para enfrentar el próximo domingo a los Gigantes de Nueva York, quienes tienen un récord idéntico al suyo, en un duelo que será otra prueba de carácter para una plantilla que sigue peleando.
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.
