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The Las Vegas Raiders secured a 22-20 preseason victory over the Houston Texans on Thursday night despite a rocky first-half performance from top draft choice Fernando Mendoza. The Indiana Heisman Trophy winner, who led the Hoosiers to a national championship, completed just 8 of 15 passes for 86 yards while playing through the opening two quarters in Houston.
Mendoza’s struggles included an early interception on his third pass attempt that proved costly. Defensive back Wade Woodaz stepped in front of the throw and raced 80 yards for a touchdown, with Mendoza unable to prevent the score despite pursuing the play downfield. The pick-six gave Houston a 14-0 advantage and represented a significant step backward for Mendoza following a productive preseason debut against Arizona the previous week.
The Raiders’ offense managed only a field goal during Mendoza’s five series of action, hampered by one sack and several pressures from Houston’s secondary unit. Las Vegas elected to rest most key contributors, including quarterback Kirk Cousins, edge rusher Maxx Crosby, running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers.
Houston deployed starter C.J. Stroud for limited action, and the quarterback made the most of his sole series by directing an opening drive that culminated in a 20-yard touchdown run by running back Woody Marks. Stroud completed 4 of 6 passes for 27 yards on the possession, with most Texans starters resting afterward.
The Raiders mounted their comeback through the second half, with backup quarterback Aidan O’Connell entering after Mendoza departed. O’Connell connected on a 1-yard touchdown pass on a trick play with 14 seconds remaining to secure the comeback victory at 22-20.
Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, the 2014 No. 1 overall pick, returned to Houston on a one-year contract and played the entire first half. The former Texans star, who spent last season with Dallas recording 8½ sacks, registered one tackle and one quarterback hurry Thursday evening.
Las Vegas linebacker Buddy Johnson exited early in the third quarter with a shoulder injury but returned to action in the fourth. Cornerback Chigozie Anusiem suffered a knee injury and was carted from the field during the third quarter.
The Raiders continue their preseason schedule with a home matchup against San Francisco next Thursday night, while the Texans conclude their exhibition slate with a road trip to Carolina on August 28.
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