Texans vs. Raiders: Score and Twitter Reaction for Monday Night Football

Legitimate Super Bowl contenders win with the game on the line in the fourth quarter, and that is exactly what the Oakland Raiders did on Monday at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Oakland outscored the Houston Texans 14-3 in the final quarter to earn a 27-20 win in comeback fashion. It was the Raiders’ fourth consecutive victory, and they moved to 8-2 and a game ahead of the 7-3 Kansas City Chiefs and 7-3 Denver Broncos in the loaded AFC West.

Houston dropped to 6-4 but is still in first place in the AFC South.

Watch out NFL, the 8-2 @Raiders are no joke. pic.twitter.com/7NVofWEDyM

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 22, 2016

The Raiders’ fourth-quarter burst was even more impressive factoring in the location. Cindy Boren of the Washington Post said Estadio Azteca’s elevation of 7,280 feet above sea level is 2,000 feet higher than Denver, but Derek Carr didn’t look tired with late touchdown passes to Jamize Olawale and Amari Cooper.

Carr finished with 295 passing yards, three touchdowns and an interception and helped make up for a lack of a rushing attack. Oakland managed just 30 yards on 20 carries, which is one reason it was behind until the late charge from its quarterback.

Houston was far more balanced on the other side. Lamar Miller ran for 104 yards and a score, while Brock Osweiler threw for 243 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

The Texans would be forgiven if they left Monday’s game with a sour taste after a couple of controversial calls cost them. They turned the ball over on downs inside the red zone with less than seven minutes remaining and the game tied on what initially appeared to be a first down run for Akeem Hunt. 

NFL on ESPN highlighted how close it was:

The ruling is the Texans are short on 4th Down! Wow… pic.twitter.com/jqRtzAWtRs

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) November 22, 2016

Houston also had a would-be 60-yard touchdown from DeAndre Hopkins on the opening possession eliminated when the officials called the receiver out of bounds. The Texans couldn’t challenge because the play was ruled dead, and Andrew Brandt of ESPN said, “Refs the story again, even internationally.”

NFL on ESPN shared the moment in question and broadcaster Jon Gruden’s take:

“This should’ve been a touchdown. I’m upset about it and I’m just a broadcaster.” -Gruden pic.twitter.com/VOYQQW7Z0w

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) November 22, 2016

Nick Novak still kicked a field goal on the drive, but the Raiders capitalized on the break and took a 7-3 lead on their second possession. Carr found Jalen Richard for a 17-yard touchdown to cap off a 79-yard march that included a 33-yard pass interference penalty on Johnathan Joseph. 

The NFL highlighted Richard’s ability to break free in the middle of the field:

Carr to Richard…TOUCHDOOOOOOWN @RAIDERS! #HOUvsOAK🇲🇽 #MiPartidoMiNFL …

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