Take a look at what Texans players and coaches had to say ahead of Sunday's matchup.
On TE Brock Bowers:
"He's a truly dynamic tight end. You don't see many tight ends like him who align all over the field. He's not just aligned at the tight end position. He lines up at the wide receiver position and he runs wide receiver routes. He presents a tough challenge for us matchup wise, kind of like on the flip side with Crosby. You've got to know where Bowers is at all times. He does a really great job of catching the football. He can run every route on the route tree. He's not a one trick pony, he can do it all. I really respect his game. I really loved his game when he was at Georgia as well. I think he's one of the best tight ends in the league right now." – Texans Head Coach DeMeco Ryans
"I think the thing that makes him special is he operates from everywhere in the field. He runs the whole route tree, not just tight end routes. They use him as a backside X [receiver]. They put him in a lot of different spots. He's really, really good at using his length and his body to keep defenders away from him. Even if you're on him, he can really extend to make catches. He makes a lot of contested catches. A pretty unique player from the diversity of how they use him and then obviously the size and skill set that he's playing with. So, a great challenge for us this week." – Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke
On RB Ashton Jeanty:
"I know they haven't run for a ton of yards, but when you watch the film and you watch this young man run the football, he's probably one of the best when it comes to contact balance. He finds a way to jump through tackles and continue to make guys miss tackles. He plays tough, plays behind his pads. A really tough runner that I respect a lot. I think he has a really bright future in our league." – Texans Head Coach DeMeco Ryans
On DE Maxx Crosby:
"He's a very disruptive player, run game and pass game. He does a really good job playing with good effort, finishing. He's a guy we definitely have to have awareness of where he is. He aligns at both sides at any given time. We have to know where he is, and we have to make sure we're outworking him." – Texans Head Coach DeMeco Ryans
"Maxx is a dog. He can wreck a whole game and he's done it year-in and year-out. I think he's a heck of a player. Has a motor, doesn't stop, doesn't quit. So, we got to make sure we take care of that and try our best to slow him down. So, it'll be a fist fight up there every play. I know he's ready and we'll try to be ready as well." – Texans QB C.J. Stroud
"He goes full tilt 100% of the time. He doesn't stop. He's slippery. He's dynamic with his hands. He can bend. He can use a multitude of different moves and pass rush moves and counters. You got to account for him everywhere he is. He's never going to take his foot off the gas. I would say, he's very unpredictable. His play style, he's one of the premier pass rushers in the world. I have a high level of respect for him. I've seen him wreck games and make lives a living hell for a lot of offenses." – Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley
On the Raiders defense:
"They have a lot of good defensive linemen. Devin White has been playing high-level for a long time. Elandon [Roberts] is a great [linebacker] as well. On the back end, they're figuring some things out. But I think they're up in your face and do really good in their spot drop zones and their blitzes. They can pressure you at any time. I think Pete Carroll has been a great coach and a great scheme for a long time. If you look, they've had some close games for some teams that are going to the playoffs and some teams that we played against that are good. So, this is not a team to slack off on one bit, just like last weekend. We've got to be able to establish the line of scrimmage early on and then the pass game and whenever that comes, but it's not going to be easy. It's going to be a challenge and we've got to be ready for it." – Texans QB C.J. Stroud
"I was with Pat [Patrick] Graham in New England, I've coached against him a bunch. There's obviously Pete Carroll there now, had a ton of success. You can see a little blend of the schemes in the background. Very good coaches. Pat does a really good job. I would say structurally, they're going to play five down on the line in base structures. They're going to get after you in their sub packages, whether that's nickel or dime. Linebackers, [Devin] White or Elandon [Roberts], those guys play really, really tenacious. They're physical. They're violent on contact. They've got length on the perimeter. They play their asses off. That's evident, just turn on the film. They're competitive every down and you better be ready to go. Adam Butler is another one. Got pass rush ability inside, can win, can split doubles. You got to be on your P's and Q's and you got to be ready to roll. You got to start fast against these guys and you got to play clean football. Or else, they'll make you pay." – Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley
On QB Geno Smith:
"He can make every throw. Obviously, missed the game last week. But looking back through the season, he's been operating fine. Obviously, they've been put in some tough spots. But very dangerous still. He can move out of the pocket, make those plays that we've seen him make time-in and time-out. He's still operating at a high level. I know some of the numbers have dipped a little bit, but you watch all the plays he's making on tape, there's still a lot there for him. We've got to be up to our best against him." – Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke
On Head Coach Pete Carroll:
"He's a legend in this game. He's done it for a long time at a high level. I have a ton of respect for Pete and what he's done to do it at the college level and win and go on up in Seattle to do a great job there and win. He's always won games. He knows what it takes. He knows what winning football looks like. He has an unmatchable energy at being over 70 years old and have the energy that he has. To watch him on the sideline, to watch him in all of his interviews or meetings, it's always positive energy and I love that about Pete. I can see that that team feeds off of what he brings. He's a great leader. You feel the energy. Their team feels that energy and they play that way. It's going to be a really tough unit because Pete is a great leader. Those guys haven't melded in or anything like that. We watch the film; we respect what this Raiders team puts out there on film. They play tough, they play physical. It's going to be a really good matchup." – Texans Head Coach DeMeco Ryans
As the Raiders get ready for their Week 16 matchup against the Houston Texans, take a look at photos from their past matchups.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Doug Gabriel (85) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium, Sunday, October 3, 2004, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Warren Sapp (99) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium, Sunday, October 3, 2004, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders running back Amos Zereoue (28) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium, Sunday, October 3, 2004, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Kerry Collins (5) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium, Sunday, October 3, 2004, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders tight end Courtney Anderson (83) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium, Sunday, October 3, 2004, in Houston, Texas.
The Oakland Raiders during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium, Sunday, October 3, 2004, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders running back Amos Zereoue (28) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium, Sunday, October 3, 2004, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders running back ReShard Lee (42) during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 3, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tackle Langston Walker (66) during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 3, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Aaron Brooks (2) lines up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 3, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back ReShard Lee (42) during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 3, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 3, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Aaron Brooks (2) during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 3, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Warren Sapp (99), defensive tackle Tommy Kelly (93) and linebacker Kirk Morrison (52) during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 3, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Aaron Brooks (2) during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 3, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back ReShard Lee (42) during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 3, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
The Oakland Raiders during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, December 3, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
The Oakland Raiders during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 21, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Chaz Schilens (81) during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 21, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tight end Zach Miller (80) during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 21, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Jon Alston (55) during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 21, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 21, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins (15) during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 21, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tight end Zach Miller (80) during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 21, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tackle Cornell Green (74) during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 21, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Chris Johnson (37) during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 21, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tight end Zach Miller (80) and tackle Cornell Green (74) during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 21, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 21, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tight end Zach Miller (80) during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 21, 2008, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Jon Alston (55) with linebacker Jon Condo (59) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium, Sunday, October 4, 2009, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium, Sunday, October 4, 2009, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium, Sunday, October 4, 2009, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium, Sunday, October 4, 2009, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Jay Richardson (98) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium, Sunday, October 4, 2009, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 3, 2010, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Jacoby Ford (12) during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 3, 2010, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Richard Seymour (92) during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 3, 2010, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tight end Zach Miller (80) during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 3, 2010, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tight end Zach Miller (80) makes a 14-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 3, 2010, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins (15) during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 3, 2010, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Michael Bush (29) during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 3, 2010, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders safety Mike Mitchell (34) and defensive end Lamarr Houston (99) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, Sunday, October 9, 2011, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Bruce Davis II (58) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, Sunday, October 9, 2011, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Quentin Groves (52) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, Sunday, October 9, 2011, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders running back Rock Cartwright (25) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, Sunday, October 9, 2011, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore (17) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, Sunday, October 9, 2011, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders running back Taiwan Jones (22) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, Sunday, October 9, 2011, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Kaelin Burnett (95) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, Sunday, November 17, 2013, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders tight end Mychal Rivera (81) makes a 26-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, Sunday, November 17, 2013, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Taiwan Jones (22) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, Sunday, November 17, 2013, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin (14) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, Sunday, November 17, 2013, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders running back Rashad Jennings (27) rushes for an 80-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, Sunday, November 17, 2013, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders punter Marquette King (7) during the regular season away game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, Sunday, November 17, 2013, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) during the regular reason away game against the Houston Texans at Estadio Azteca, Monday, November 21, 2016, in Mexico City, Mex.
Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) rushes for a 17-yard touchdown during the regular reason away game against the Houston Texans at Estadio Azteca, Monday, November 21, 2016, in Mexico City, Mex.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Denico Autry (96) during the regular reason away game against the Houston Texans at Estadio Azteca, Monday, November 21, 2016, in Mexico City, Mex.
Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski (11) kicks a PAT during the regular reason away game against the Houston Texans at Estadio Azteca, Monday, November 21, 2016, in Mexico City, Mex.
Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) during the regular reason away game against the Houston Texans at Estadio Azteca, Monday, November 21, 2016, in Mexico City, Mex.
Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) during the Wild Card Playoff game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, Saturday, January 7, 2017, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Stacy McGee (92) during the Wild Card Playoff game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, Saturday, January 7, 2017, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Andre Holmes (18) during the Wild Card Playoff game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, Saturday, January 7, 2017, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders tackle Darius Latham (75) during the Wild Card Playoff game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, Saturday, January 7, 2017, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Nevin Lawson (26) during the regular season game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, Sunday, October 27, 2019, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) during the regular season game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, Sunday, October 27, 2019, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, Sunday, October 27, 2019, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) during the regular season game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, Sunday, October 27, 2019, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) during the regular season game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, Sunday, October 27, 2019, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) during the regular season game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, Sunday, October 27, 2019, in Houston, Texas.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, Sunday, October 27, 2019, in Houston, Texas.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) punts during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, October 23, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, October 23, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, October 23, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) stiff arms the defender during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, October 23, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) and center Andre James (68) line up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, October 23, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Duron Harmon (30) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, October 23, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) defends during the regular season home game against the Houston Texans at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, October 23, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nev.
