Fernando Mendoza interception, Aidan O'Connell-led Raiders comeback win stand out vs. Texans

Sam Gordon, Las Vegas Review-Journal on Aug 20, 2026

Published in Football

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

HOUSTON — The preseason matchup Thursday night between the Las Vegas Raiders and Houston Texans seemed to resemble their practice earlier this week.

A contender working a rebuilder.

Except for when it didn’t.

With their starters watching from the sideline, the Raiders overcame a 17-point halftime deficit — scoring 20 unanswered points en route to a 22-20 win. Third-string quarterback Aidan O’Connell capped an eight-play, 96-yard drive with the go-ahead 1-yard touchdown run with 14 seconds to play.

Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw an interception-return touchdown on the opening possession. Mendoza completed 8 of 15 passes for 86 yards against Houston’s backup defenses before being replaced by O’Connell. Houston linebacker Wade Woodaz snagged a checkdown intended for running back Mike Washington Jr. before sprinting down the right sideline amid a diving tackle attempt from Mendoza.

Washington ran for 56 yards on nine carries, including a 33-yarder, behind a backup line that struggled with protection.

The lone first-teamer to start on offense, wideout Jalen Nailor, had a 22-yard reception. Running back Dylan Laube had a 4-yard, third-quarter scoring run and running back Dare Ogunbowale scored from 19 yards out in the fourth.

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud led the 10-play, 68-yard opening drive that ended with running back Woody Marks bowling over Raiders defenders for a 20-yard score. Quarterback Davis Mills replaced Stroud and couldn’t muster a touchdown drive before also ceding the second half.

Mendoza engineered an eight-play, 26-yard drive that led to a field goal and included a checkdown to fullback Connor Heyward during which he was hit while standing in the pocket. A sack for an 11-yard loss would follow, preceding a short pass to tight end Ian Thomas. Matt Gay converted from 52 yards.

Another promising drive for the Raiders included an 18-yard completion from Mendoza to rookie wideout Malik Benson, who capped it with a third-down drop — as he tried to turn a corner before securing a football — that set up a punt. Mendoza’s fifth and final drive went three-and-out.

Laube’s touchdown capped a six-play, 39-yard drive at the 2:45 mark while Ogunbowale’s scoring run capped a 12-play, 93-yard drive with 6:40 to play. The Raiders forced a punt with 1:46 to play after stopping the Texans on second-and-1, setting up O’Connell’s game-winning drive.

O’Connell finished 15 of 24 for 166 yards. Raiders safety Devin Lafayette had an interception with a second to play.

Injury

Raiders cornerback Chigozie Anusiem was carted off the field early in the third quarter after covering a punt. The sideline cleared to circle in support. The crowd cheered warmly as the cart drove off the field.