The Oakland Raiders had nothing going on offense and the Houston Texans cruised to a 27-14 win Saturday in an AFC Wild Card game. The Raiders didn't convert a third down until the fourth quarter and the Texans never trailed in the win.
Without QB Derek Carr, the Raiders' offense struggled badly against the sharp Texans defense. QB Connor Cook, the fourth round rookie from Michigan State making his first career start, did not play well. He was hurt by drops, but still completed just 6 of 21 passes for 58 yards and a pick in the first three quarters and finished 18 of 45 for 161 yards, a TD and three picks. He was sacked three times.
There wasn't much ground support either, with the Raiders posting just 64 yards on 21 carries. In all, it was a fantastic effort from the Texans' defense. Jadeveon Clowney had an interception and two batted passes, while Whitney Mercilus had two sacks and three tackles for loss.
QB Brock Osweiler was benched earlier this year, but played more than well enough to win. He completed 14 of 25 passes for 168 yards, a passing TD and a rushing TD. His favorite target was DeAndre Hopkins, who caught 5 passes for 67 yards and a TD, all in the first half.
Lamar Miller led the way on the ground with 30 carries for 73 yards and a score. The Texans as a team had 124 rushing yards and two scores on 43 carries.
The Texans will get either the Patriots or Chiefs next weekend, depending on the result of the Steelers-Dolphins game. If Pittsburgh wins, the Texans will play the Patriots on Saturday night. If the Steelers lose, the Texans will get Chiefs on Sunday.
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