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The Houston Texans built a 17-point lead before falling 22-20 to the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday, Aug. 20. The Texans vs. Raiders preseason game featured an explosive opening drive, an 80-yard interception return and a late Las Vegas comeback.
Houston dropped to 0-2 in the preseason after failing to score during the second half at Reliant Stadium.
C.J. Stroud Leads Strong Opening Drive
Quarterback C.J. Stroud made his first game appearance of the preseason and played one series. He completed four of six passes for 27 yards.
Houston opened with a 10-play, 69-yard touchdown drive. Running back Woody Marks provided 43 yards on five touches during the possession.
Marks completed the drive with an impressive 20-yard touchdown run. He broke several tackle attempts before reaching the end zone.
The second-year running back finished with 39 rushing yards on four carries. His performance strengthened Houston’s depth behind offseason addition David Montgomery.
Wade Woodaz Delivers the Biggest Texans Highlight
Rookie linebacker Wade Woodaz produced the game’s biggest defensive play during Las Vegas’ opening possession.
Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza attempted a pass to running back Mike Washington Jr. Woodaz stepped in front of the throw and returned the interception 80 yards for a touchdown.
The pick-six gave Houston a 14-0 lead. Woodaz, a fourth-round selection from Clemson, also recorded two tackles.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans credited the play to Woodaz remaining disciplined and following his assignment. The linebacker is competing for a roster spot and a backup role behind Azeez Al-Shaair.
Texans Defensive Depth Pressures Mendoza
Houston’s reserve defense consistently pressured Mendoza during the first half. The first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft absorbed five quarterback hits and one sack.
Second-round rookie Kayden McDonald recorded the sack. Veteran defensive end Jadeveon Clowney also pressured and hit Mendoza.
Mendoza completed eight of 15 passes for 86 yards. He finished without a touchdown and posted a 42.6 passer rating.
The Raiders managed only three first-half points and 141 net yards. Houston carried a 20-3 lead into halftime after adding a field goal during the second quarter.
Raiders Take Control After Halftime
The momentum changed during the second half. Las Vegas tightened its defense and prevented Houston from adding to its lead.
Raiders running back Dylan Laube scored on a 4-yard run during the third quarter. Former Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale added a 19-yard touchdown in the fourth.
Houston’s offense struggled against increased pressure. Patrick Johnson and Jahfari Harvey recorded strip-sacks as the Raiders created additional opportunities.
The Texans finished with no points during the final two quarters.
Aidan O’Connell Completes the Comeback
Las Vegas quarterback Aidan O’Connell directed a 96-yard game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter.
O’Connell connected with Brandon Johnson for a 33-yard gain during the possession. He completed the comeback with a quarterback sneak from the 1-yard line.
Houston received one final opportunity to regain the lead. Raiders defensive back Devin Lafayette ended the threat with an interception.
The result showed both sides of Houston’s developing roster. Marks and Woodaz produced encouraging performances, while the second-half execution exposed areas requiring improvement.
The Texans will complete their preseason schedule against the Carolina Panthers on Friday, Aug. 28. That game will provide one final evaluation before teams reduce their rosters.