The Las Vegas Raiders secured a 22-20 preseason victory over the Houston Texans on Thursday night, but the win came after trailing significantly and underscored the considerable work still needed for the team to compete with the NFL's elite.
The Raiders came to Houston seeking clarity on their standing, and the exhibition game, following a challenging joint practice, provided a candid assessment. The Texans, demonstrating greater depth and talent, appeared further along in their development, a reality the Raiders seem to acknowledge.
Under new coach Klint Kubiak, the franchise appears to be embracing a rebuilding process that emphasizes patience, smart drafting, and player development, rather than seeking shortcuts. This approach suggests an understanding that overcoming these challenges will involve enduring difficult moments, such as those experienced in Houston.
Missed Opportunities in Offensive Preparation
Coach Klint Kubiak opted to rest his starters for the preseason game against the Texans, a decision that, while perhaps insignificant in the grand scheme of the preseason, felt like a missed opportunity in real time. This decision contrasted with the Texans, who played much of their starting offense, including quarterback C.J. Stroud. The Raiders, still installing new offensive and defensive systems under a new coaching staff and with an offensive line that remains a work in progress, could have benefited from additional meaningful snaps to build cohesion and chemistry.
With the regular season approaching and the team not expected to play starters in the final preseason game against the 49ers, Thursday's game may have been the last opportunity for the core unit to gain game experience together before Week 1.
Defensive Vulnerabilities Exposed
Although the Raiders' starting defense did not play, the performance of the players who did take the field highlighted concerns, particularly against the run. Houston running back Woody Marks averaged 9.3 yards per carry in his initial attempts, showcasing a vulnerability at the point of attack for the Raiders' defense. This issue is compounded by a potential lack of depth and the absence of a dominant interior defensive lineman who can consistently anchor against the run.
The pass defense also showed signs of struggle. Texans quarterback Davis Mills completed 11 of 15 passes for 93 yards as the Raiders' defensive front failed to generate consistent pressure, and young defensive backs experienced predictable growing pains. Players like Jermod McCoy, Hezekiah Masses, and Treydan Stukes possess talent but are still in the early stages of their development, underscoring that potential does not always equate to immediate readiness.
Emerging Talent in the Backfield
Amidst the identified areas for improvement, the Raiders found a positive development in running back Mike Washington Jr. Following a strong showing in the previous game, Washington recorded 56 yards on nine carries against the Texans, including a 33-yard burst. His preseason total of 119 yards on 15 carries, averaging 7.9 yards per attempt, highlights an intriguing combination of size and power.
At 6-foot-2 and 228 pounds, Washington Jr. is demonstrating that he could be more than just a backup to the team's sixth overall draft pick, Ashton Jeanty. Good teams, however, are encouraged to utilize productive players regardless of draft status. If Washington Jr. continues his strong performance, the Raiders may face a beneficial dilemma in finding ways to incorporate both him and Jeanty into the offense, offering a valuable luxury as the team works to address other areas of need.