A Dramatic Finish
The Las Vegas Raiders secured a narrow 22-20 victory over the Houston Texans in their preseason finale, decided by late fourth-quarter scoring drives. The win improved Las Vegas to 1-1 on the exhibition schedule, while Houston fell to 0-2.
Early Dominance and Field Goals
Houston took an early lead, jumping out to a 17-0 advantage after three quarters of action. The Texans scored first in the opening period when Woody Marks rushed for a 20-yard touchdown, followed by a kick from Ka'imi Fairbairn. Houston extended that lead later in the first quarter when Fairbairn kicked a 51-yard field goal.
Las Vegas began chipping away at the deficit late in the first half. Matt Gay connected on a 52-yard field goal to put points on the board for the Raiders. Before halftime, Fairbairn added another field goal for Houston, making the score 17-3 at the break. The Texans held firm through the third quarter, despite Las Vegas taking control of that period with 7 points.
Fourth Quarter Comeback
The game turned in the final period as both teams traded scores. Dylan Laube of the Raiders broke through for a 4-yard touchdown run, which was successfully converted by Kansei Matsuzawa. This play shifted the momentum, bringing Las Vegas within seven points at 20-13 entering the final stretch.
Houston appeared to be holding on until the Raiders mounted a decisive drive. Dare Ogunbowale rushed for a 19-yard touchdown, though the subsequent point-after attempt failed, making the score 20-19. With time winding down, Aidan O'Connell took the reins for Las Vegas.
