Raiders Game Review: Key Takeaways From Thursday's Comeback Preseason Win

The Las Vegas Raiders followed up their sluggish preseason debut with a dramatic come-from-behind victory against the Houston Texans, 22-20. It was a wild game that featured notable individual displays from key players and important evaluations for the Raiders' young roster.

Klint Kubiak has his first unofficial win as the Las Vegas Raiders head coach, while his No. 1 draft pick, quarterback Fernando Mendoza, showed signs he could be on the field much sooner than we realize. I spent time re-watching the Raiders' victory, and I'm here to share my key takeaways from Thursday night's triumph. Let's take a look.

Mendoza Raider — Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) before the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Fernando Mendoza Gets Some Tough Lessons, but Impressed Regardless

This was not the best performance for the 2026 No. 1 overall draft pick, as Mendoza went 8-of-15 for 86 yards, a pick-six, was pressured numerous times, and took a sack after miscommunication from the left guard and center on how to block Kayden McDonald.

Mendoza L — Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) attempts to pass the ball as Houston Texans defensive tackle Naquan Jones (91) applies defensve pressure during the second quarter at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

This was an important game for Mendoza’s evaluation process. Against a well-coached Texans defense that has always featured excellent depth, he attacked all three levels of the field and displayed the remarkable poise and toughness that were key to winning the Heisman Trophy and the National Championship last season.

There are some plays he would like to have back, including the pick-six to Texans linebacker Wade Woodaz, but it was a fairly impressive display, by my account, on second look. Let’s go back to the interception—Mendoza made the right decision attempting to check down to Mike Washington Jr., who had initially sat in the middle of the field.

Mendoza Strou — Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) and Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) greet on the field after the game at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

As Mendoza was in his throwing motion, Washington began moving to his right, making it look as though the quarterback was late to the middle of the field, which is a big no-no for passers, especially with the tight confines in this area of the gridiron. I loved that the arm arrogance was on display again, as he was ripping some throws to the intermediate and deeper portions.

Mendoza needed to learn how to take hits in the pocket, and the Texans were the perfect opponent for that. This game showed why there’s a preference for Kirk Cousins to play early in the regular season over Mendoza, but don’t be surprised if we see the Raiders change their stance.

Cousins L — Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) before the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Raiders May Have a Two-Headed Monster at Running Back

Whew, buddy, we have a live one at running back. Raider Nation should be excited about what they have seen of Washington for the last two preseason games, as the fourth-round rookie from Arkansas is showcasing what could make him a standout running back in the NFL.

Washington L — Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

I liked how he followed his blockers only to accelerate and get to the sideline with burst and physicality. He was lowering his shoulder and delivering hits, displaying awesome contact balance and leg churn to create extra yards after contact. While Washington is not Derrick Henry, the running style is nearly identical in a smaller frame.

The Raiders need to find a way to consistently rotate Ashton Jeanty and Washington this season; this duo has the chance to be a special one that teams will struggle to defend and tackle.

Caleb Rogers Continues To Make His RG1 Case

I came away impressed with Rogers, who had a sound game at right guard. He is in a competition with Jackson Powers-Johnson for the starting job, and with JPP absent in this game, Rogers did what he needed to do to make the conversion a difficult one for Kubiak.

Rogers L — Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) prepares to take the snap behind center Trey Zuhn III (66) and guard Caleb Rogers (76) against the Arizona Cardinals in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

I liked how well Rogers was getting his hands fit and punching with timing and accuracy at the point of attack. His pass sets were steady, and there was sufficient leg drive in the run game. When he wasn’t dealing with a responsibility in pass protection, he was always looking for work and helping out right tackle Trey Zuhn III.

There were moments when Rogers was in stalemates, and his leverage could’ve been better in any facet. Again, this was impressive tape to watch, and another good showing next week could help earn him the Week 1 gig at right guard.

Stukes L — Aug 13, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (19) his tackled by Las Vegas Raiders safety Treydan Stukes (31) in the first quarter at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Rob Leonard Has a Tough Decision With Rookie Treydan Stukes

The Raiders' second-round draft pick from Arizona looked like a seasoned veteran on Thursday night.

On his first impactful play of the game early in the first quarter, Treydan Stukes was aligned as a split-high defender and showcased incredible instincts to quickly jump the crossing pattern by the tight end on the Texans, then displayed his closing speed to the ball carrier when CJ Stroud checked the ball down to Xavier Hutchinson, resulting in a physical tackle for loss.

It feels like Stukes has grown a lot since the early portion of camp, which is an encouraging sign as he looks for significant playing time early this season.

It is hard for me to imagine the Raiders and defensive coordinator Rob Leonard keeping guys like Stukes, with his closing speed, athleticism, high-end instincts, and playmaking ability off the field. He aligned at free safety and nickel at multiple points against Houston, and that versatility could make him a chess piece for Las Vegas’s defense this fall.

McCollum L — Jun 9, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders safety Tristin McCollum (27 during minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Extra Notes From the Raiders Preseason Victory

Tristin McCollum was flying around the field on Thursday night, tying rookie safety Dalton Johnson with seven tackles. The second-year Raider was flying all over the field and showcasing how meaningful he could be for the safety depth in the secondary. He is a physical player who could also be an intriguing trade piece if the Raiders want to add more capital for next April’s draft.

The physicality of this game showcased how far the Raiders have come in the trenches. The Texans are one of the most physical defenses in the game and now have massive, healthy humans on offense. There is still room to grow here in the trenches, but Las Vegas has enough to compete in 2026.

Heyward L — Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Las Vegas Raiders fullback Connor Heyward (34) and running back Dylan Laube (23) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) wait to take the field before the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

I wrote about fullbacks and Connor Heyward the other day, and I love what he showed in terms of potential usage. Kubiak will use him similarly to how Kyle Juszczyk is used in San Francisco, as shown by unique 12 and 21 personnel packages. I’m not saying Heyward is going to have a massive season, but he is a chess piece on offense who gives Kubiak options in the run and pass games as a rusher, receiver, or blocker.

Aidan O’Connell deserves a chance to start for an NFL team (hello, Cleveland Browns). He helped orchestrate a terrific comeback against the Texans after the Raiders were down 20-3 at halftime. He showcased his ability to layer, football IQ, improved footwork, and knowledge of the concepts; this could help him stay in Las Vegas as QB3 or become a trade target before the season.

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