Game Recap: Raiders Show Grit and Progress in Close Loss to Texans
One week after being shut out by Philadelphia, the Las Vegas Raiders responded with a much stronger performance, pushing the Houston Texans to the limit in a narrow 23–21 loss on Sunday.
Facing one of the NFL’s toughest defenses — a Texans unit that entered the game allowing the fewest points and yards this season — the Raiders showed resilience, energy, and clear offensive improvement.
It marked the first time since Week 9 that the Raiders scored more than 20 points and surpassed 300 total yards, a notable turnaround from the 75-yard outing they posted just seven days earlier.
“We knew what kind of defense we were facing,” head coach Pete Carroll said after the game. “They’ve been playing at a high level all season. I thought our staff did a great job putting together a plan that let our guys play fast, play free, and create opportunities.”
Early Mistake, Strong Response
The game did not start smoothly for Las Vegas. On their second offensive possession, quarterback Geno Smith threw an interception under pressure that was returned 31 yards for a touchdown by Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., giving Houston an early 7–0 lead.
Rather than unraveling, the Raiders’ defense responded, holding Houston to just 19 yards in the first quarter and limiting the Texans to a 25% conversion rate on third down during that span.
Raiders Find Their Rhythm
Smith settled in during the second quarter, connecting with rookie wide receiver Jack Bech for a 37-yard gain to set up a scoring opportunity. On third-and-goal, Smith redeemed his early mistake by firing a touchdown pass to tight end Brock Bowers, who slipped free in zone coverage.
After opening the game 0-for-4, Smith completed seven straight passes on the drive. Bowers’ score — his seventh of the season — tied the game at 7–7 midway through the second quarter.
Houston answered with two long field goals from Ka’imi Fairbairn, including kicks from 55 and 50 yards, sending the Raiders into halftime trailing 13–7.
Jeanty Takes Over
Early in the third quarter, Smith struck again, finding rookie running back Ashton Jeanty on a wheel route down the sideline. Jeanty broke a tackle and raced 60 yards for a touchdown, giving the Raiders their first lead since Week 11.
Smith, returning after missing Week 15, finished 16-of-23 for 201 yards and two touchdowns, spreading the ball to eight different receivers.
The Texans quickly regained control, however, scoring on consecutive drives — a Fairbairn field goal followed by a short touchdown pass to tight end Dalton Schultz — to move ahead once more.
Late Push Falls Short
Jeanty refused to let the Raiders fade quietly. With under six minutes remaining, he bounced a run outside, broke another tackle, and exploded for a 51-yard touchdown to pull Las Vegas within two points.
The rookie finished with career highs in carries (24) and scrimmage yards (188), recording his first multi-touchdown game since Week 4.
“We stayed together the entire game,” Jeanty said. “No matter what happened, we kept fighting. It didn’t end the way we wanted, but I’m proud of how we competed against one of the best teams in the league.”
Texans Close the Door
Las Vegas never got the ball back for a potential game-winning drive. Houston drained the clock behind a key pass-interference penalty on third-and-20 and a crucial 37-yard reception by Nico Collins, sealing the victory.
Smith acknowledged the growth while emphasizing the standard remains higher.
“I don’t believe in moral victories,” he said. “But I’m proud of how this team continues to fight. You can see the improvement — now we have to turn that into wins.”
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Despite the loss, the Raiders showed meaningful progress on both sides of the ball, offering signs of growth as the season winds down.
