Mendoza Throws Pick-6 as Raiders Rally Past Texans 22-20.

HOUSTON — Fernando Mendoza’s second preseason appearance offered the rookie quarterback a difficult lesson as the Las Vegas Raiders rallied late to defeat the Houston Texans 22-20 on Thursday night. Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner who led Indiana to a national championship, started the game and played the entire first half. He completed 8 of 15 passes for 86 yards and struggled to generate consistent offense against Houston’s second-string defense. The biggest mistake came on Mendoza’s third pass attempt. His throw was overthrown and intercepted by Wade Woodaz, who returned the ball 80 yards for a touchdown to give Houston a 14-0 lead. Mendoza chased Woodaz down the field but was unable to stop him before the Texans defender reached the end zone. The turnover highlighted the narrow margin for error Mendoza is facing as he transitions to the NFL. “The margins are so small, and that one tiny mistake can lead to catastrophe,” Mendoza said after the game. Mendoza was also sacked once and took several other hits during his five series. He led the Raiders to only one scoring drive before leaving the game at halftime. Raiders coach Klint Kubiak said there remains plenty for both Mendoza and the coaching staff to improve. He also declined to officially name Kirk Cousins the team's Week 1 starter, despite Cousins being widely expected to open the regular season as the starter. “We got another week of playing,” Kubiak said. “I don’t want anyone to be comfortable in their job.” Cousins did not play Thursday, and several other Raiders starters, including Maxx Crosby, Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers, also sat out. Houston received a strong opening performance from quarterback C.J. Stroud, who played his first preseason action. Stroud completed 4 of 6 passes for 27 yards during his only series and helped lead the Texans to an early touchdown. Running back Woody Marks finished the drive with a 20-yard touchdown run. “C.J. made some really good decisions,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “Didn’t throw it around a ton but when he did throw it, it was good decisions with the football.”

The Raiders began their comeback in the second half after Aidan O’Connell replaced Mendoza. Dylan Laube scored on a 4-yard run with about five minutes remaining in the third quarter, cutting Houston’s lead to 20-10. Former Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale added another touchdown on a 19-yard run with less than eight minutes remaining. The Raiders missed the extra point, leaving the score at 20-16. O’Connell completed the comeback with 14 seconds remaining when he scored on a 1-yard tush push to give Las Vegas its first lead. The Raiders missed the extra point again, but Houston was unable to respond before time expired. The game also featured several long field goals. Houston kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn made attempts from 51 and 57 yards, while Las Vegas kicker Matt Gay connected from 52 yards. Former No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney also returned to Houston after signing a one-year contract with the Texans earlier in August. He played the first half and recorded a tackle and a quarterback hurry. The Raiders suffered two notable injuries. Linebacker Buddy Johnson left with a shoulder injury in the third quarter but later returned. Cornerback Chigozie Anusiem was carted from the field after suffering a knee injury. Las Vegas will host the San Francisco 49ers next Thursday in its final preseason game. Houston will finish its preseason schedule against the Carolina Panthers on Aug. 28.