O’Connell leads Raiders comeback for Kubiak’s first win

Mendoza works through early mistake

Mendoza’s second preseason appearance brought a much different challenge. He finished 8-of-15 for 86 yards with one interception.

Wade Woodaz returned that interception 80 yards for a touchdown, giving Houston a 14-0 first-quarter lead. The mistake came immediately after Mendoza hit Jalen Nailor for 22 yards and Mike Washington Jr. broke a 33-yard run.

Mendoza said the play came down to a poor checkdown throw and a lack of timing with Washington.

“It wasn’t a good throw,” Mendoza said. “We weren’t on the same page, and it resulted in an interception.”

Kubiak was more interested in the rookie’s response than the mistake itself. Mendoza settled down, helped Las Vegas reach scoring range and finished the half without another turnover.

Mendoza also said he felt more composed than in his preseason debut against Arizona. However, he acknowledged how quickly mistakes are punished at this level.

“One tiny mistake can lead to catastrophe,” Mendoza said. “I want to make sure I best serve my teammates and improve through these experiences.”

Defense changes the game

Houston controlled the first half, but the Raiders defense flipped the game after the break. Patrick Johnson sacked Rypien and forced a fumble midway through the third quarter.

Gary Smith III recovered at the Houston 39, and Dylan Laube scored six plays later on a 4-yard run. That cut the deficit to 20-10 and gave Las Vegas its first touchdown of the night.

The Raiders finished with three sacks, seven tackles for loss and two takeaways. Johnson had one sack and two tackles for loss, while Thomas Booker IV posted the same totals.

Jahfari Harvey added another sack and forced a fumble that Houston recovered. Lafayette then sealed the game with his interception after O’Connell’s touchdown.

Las Vegas held Houston to 78 rushing yards and 219 total yards. The Texans did not score after Ka’imi Fairbairn’s 57-yard field goal late in the second quarter.

“I thought the coverage was sticky today,” Kubiak said. “These young guys are all going to be part of us winning games this year.”

Washington keeps earning opportunities

Washington again supplied one of Las Vegas’ most explosive plays. The rookie rushed for 56 yards on nine carries, including the 33-yard burst in the first quarter.

He now has produced a run of at least 33 yards in both preseason games. That follows his 53-yard run against Arizona.

“When guys have success, they carve out roles, and that’s where he’s headed,” Kubiak said.

The Raiders finished with 159 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. Laube, Dare Ogunbowale and O’Connell each scored on the ground.

Penalties remain the issue

The comeback did not erase everything Kubiak disliked. Las Vegas committed nine penalties for 83 yards after being flagged eight times for 75 yards against Arizona.

Several came on special teams, and Kubiak took responsibility for the pattern continuing into a second week.

“I’m very concerned,” Kubiak said. “That’s two weeks in a row, and that’s on me as the coach.”

Still, the larger takeaway was the response. Las Vegas was down 17-0 in the first quarter and 20-3 at halftime, but the defense stopped Houston and the offense found a rhythm.

O’Connell finished the comeback, Lafayette closed it and Kubiak left Houston with his first preseason win.

“We needed that game, especially after the first half,” Kubiak said. “It was great to see those young men play their hearts out in the second half.”