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Articles by Sam Warren
Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 NFL Draft pick, signs rookie contract
Fernando Mendoza, the top pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, has signed his rookie contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, he and the team announced on Thursday. Mendoza was the last of the team's 10 draft picks to sign; fourth-round cornerback Jermod McCoy inked his rookie deal on Wednesday. The contract is worth $57,271,500 over four years with a team option available for a fifth season.
'A little crazy' for the Raiders defense: A look at Rob Leonard's scheme and history
Rob Leonard has more responsibilities now than he's ever had in his 13 seasons as an NFL assistant coach. The Las Vegas Raiders' defensive coordinator is getting a chance to build and implement his system for the first time; he'll make his play-calling debut in the fall. However, while Leonard's duties have multiplied as a first-time coordinator, he's finding parts of his new job are less active than those of old.
It was still Mendoza vs. Cousins at Raiders OTAs -- but this time, Tom Brady looked on
HENDERSON, Nev. -- The Las Vegas Raiders had a high-profile observer at their second open OTA practice. Tom Brady was in attendance for the team's voluntary offseason session Thursday. The franchise's minority owner stood on the sidelines and watched, monitoring as first-year head coach Klint Kubiak conducted the practice.
10 biggest Raiders OTA storylines: From the Mendoza-Cousins dynamic to Kansei Matsuzawa
The Las Vegas Raiders are ramping up their offseason schedule, as the team has begun Phase Three of its voluntary workout program. Las Vegas can now hold organized team practice activities, or OTAs. The sessions allow it to bring the whole roster together and have players participate in team drills, such as 7-on-7s, 9-on-9s and 11-on-11s. The practices let teams get their first looks at their rosters in competitive settings, though no contact is allowed.
Fernando Mendoza, citing Raiders obligations, misses Indiana's White House visit
Fernando Mendoza did not attend Indiana University's visit to the White House commemorating the Hoosiers' college football national championship on Monday. The Las Vegas Raiders quarterback said earlier this month that he would not attend if it interfered with any activities with his new team. "I'm on the bottom of the totem pole here," Mendoza said following a rookie minicamp practice. "I got to prove myself. I can't miss practice. I don't know anything official.
Jermod McCoy, the NFL Draft's ultimate mystery, slowly eases in with Raiders
HENDERSON, Nev. -- The biggest question mark in this Las Vegas Raiders draft class is the health of fourth-round corner Jermod McCoy. The former Tennessee standout was a potential first-round pick, and likely lasted until the 101st pick because of a believed cartilage issue in his knee that could require surgery. Las Vegas' front office wasn't certain whether they'd ask McCoy to undergo the procedure when they selected him.
Las Vegas Raiders post-draft depth chart: It starts with Cousins vs. Mendoza
The Las Vegas Raiders added 10 draft picks and several undrafted free agents over the weekend. While the latter group is yet to be officially announced, it's expected that the roster is now close to full. The Raiders have plenty of new faces at multiple key positions, namely Kirk Cousins, their expected Week 1 starting quarterback, and Fernando Mendoza, the draft's No. 1 selection and Las Vegas's quarterback of the future.
The draft left no doubt: GM John Spytek's stamp is on this Raiders roster
John Spytek inherited a mess. kAm(96? 2 %@> qC25J\=65 4@>>:EE66 9:C65 $AJE6< ;FDE @G6C 2 J62C 28@ 2D E96 #2:56CDV 86?6C2= >2?286C[ 96 :?96C:E65 2 >:D>2E4965 C@DE6C 7C24EFC65 3J E96 A@@C 49@:46D 2?5 @C82?:K2E:@?2= 5JD7F?4E:@? E92E AC646565 9:>] %96C6 H6C6 A=2J6CD E9C@H? E@86E96C 3J 7@FC AC6465:?8 C68:>6D DA2??:?8 D:I D62D@?D[ :?4=F5:?8 E9C66 86?6C2= >2?286CD @G6C E96 AC6G:@FD E9C66 J62CD]k^Am kAm%96 #2:56CD 2=D@ D255=65 $AJE6< H:E9 2 492==6?8:?8 A2CE?6C 7@C 2 7:CDE\E:>6 86?6C2= >2?286C :?
NFL Draft 2026 best available players for Las Vegas Raiders: Elijah Sarratt, Malik Muhammad
There were no surprises when the Raiders drafted Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza first overall. Things got more interesting on Day 2. kAm{2D '682D 25565 pC:K@?2 D276EJ %C6J52? $EF<6D[ pF3FC? 6586 z6JC@? rC2H7@C5 2?5 %6I2D pU2>Aj| 8F2C5 %C6J +F9? xxx H:E9 E96:C E9C66 A:4<D[ 255C6DD:?8 ?665D :? :ED D64@?52CJ 2?5 @776?D:G6 =:?6] qFE E96 E62> :D DE:== 92D 9@=6D E@ 7:== :? D6G6C2= @E96C DA@ED]k^Am kAmw6C6 2C6 D@>6 @AE:@?D E96JVC6 =:<6=J E@ 4@?D:56C @?
Raiders trade Tyree Wilson to Saints to draft Arizona S Dalton Johnson in fifth round
The Las Vegas Raiders traded 2023 first-round pick Tyree Wilson and a 2026 seventh-round pick (No. 219) to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for the 150th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Saturday. The Raiders then used that fifth-round pick to select Arizona safety Dalton Johnson, the 16th-ranked safety on Dane Brugler's big board in "The Beast." kAm(:=D@?[ E96 7@C>6C %6I2D %649 #65 #2:56CD DE2?5@FE[ DE2CE65 @?=J D6G6? 82>6D 2?5 A=2J65 :?
Francisco Mendoza has arrived, but 3 rounds into the draft the Raiders' WR question still looms
LAS VEGAS -- The hope is that Friday was a momentous day for the Raiders franchise. kAmxE k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^HHH]?JE:>6D]4@>^2E9=6E:4^faaefda^a_ae^_c^ac^76C?2?5@\>6?5@K2\=2D\G682D\C2:56CD\:?EC@5F4E:@?^QmH6=4@>65 u6C?2?5@ |6?5@K2 E@ {2D '682Dk^2m :? E96 27E6C?@@?] w6 CF3365 6=3@HD H:E9 #2:56C =686?5D[ =62C?65 D@>6 7C2?49:D6 EC25:E:@?D 2?5 C:=65 FA E96 a[___ @C D@ 72?D :?
Raiders 2026 NFL Draft takeaways: Tons of talent, but enough help for Mendoza?
The Las Vegas Raiders were the focus of the 2026 NFL Draft. That comes with having the No. 1 pick, but added attention arrives when a player like Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza is your obvious selection. kAmp7E6C E2<:?8 E96 x?5:2?2 BF2CE6C324<[ E96 #2:56CD DA6?E E96:C C6>2:?:?8 ?:?6 A:4<D @? >@C6 F?DF?8 A=2J6CD] p=>@DE 2== E96:C 255:E:@?D @G6C42>6 D@>6 D@CE @7 25G6CD:EJ :?
Raiders trade down in Round 2, select Arizona DB Treydan Stukes with 38th pick
The Athletic has live coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft. kAmp7E6C EC25:?8 5@H? EH@ DA@ED[ E96 {2D '682D #2:56CD D6=64E65 pC:K@?2 sq %C6J52? $EF<6D H:E9 E96 bgE9 A:4< @7 E96 }u{ sC27E @? uC:52J]k^Am kAm$EF<6D 3682? 9:D 42C66C 2D 2 H2=<\@? 367@C6 7:G6 J62CD @? D49@=2CD9:A H:E9 E96 (:=542ED[ E@E2=:?8 bg DE2CED] p7E6C 368:??:?8 9:D 42C66C 2D 2? @FED:56 4@C?6C[ 96 EC2?D:E:@?65 :?D:56 E@ ?:4<6=[ H96C6 96 D2H 9:D >@DE DF446DD] $EF<6D DF776C65 2 E@C? pr{ :? a_ac E92E 6?565 9:D D62D@?
Las Vegas Raiders select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with No. 1 pick in 2026 NFL Draft
The Athletic has live coverage of the 2026 NFL Draft. kAm%96 {2D '682D #2:56CD >256 x?5:2?2 BF2CE6C324< u6C?2?5@ |6?5@K2 E96 }@] ` A:4< :? E96 a_ae }u{ sC27E @? %9FCD52J] |6?5@K2 :D E96 7:CDE A=2J6C D:?46 {$&VD y@6 qFCC@H :? a_a_ E@ 36 D6=64E65 7:CDE :>>65:2E6=J 27E6C H:??:?8 2 ?2E:@?2= 492>A:@?D9:A 2?5 E96 w6:D>2? %C@A9J]k^Am kAm%96 q:8 %6?VD 7:CDE w6:D>2? H:??6C D:?46 %C@J $>:E9 :? a__e[ |6?5@K2 DH6AE E96 |2IH6== pH2C5[ (2=E6C r2>A pH2C5[ s2G6J ~VqC:6? pH2C5 2?5 E96 |2??:?8 pH2C5 6?
How Fernando Mendoza won over John Spytek, Tom Brady and the Raiders brass
Fernando Mendoza had been a future Raider since Jan. 4, the day Las Vegas clinched the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. kAmw:D 42?5:524J 7@C E96 E@A D6=64E:@? H2D 6?EC6?4965 =2E6C E92E >@?E9 H96? AC:?4:A2= @H?6C |2C< s2G:D 2?5 >:?@C:EJ @H?6C %@> qC25J 244@>A2?:65 86?6C2= >2?286C y@9? $AJE6< E@ H2E49 |6?5@K2 A=2J :?
At his Raiders introduction, Fernando Mendoza says: 'I still need to earn it'
LAS VEGAS -- Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak touted the skills of his new quarterback Fernando Mendoza as he helped introduce the No. 1 pick of the 2026 NFL Draft on Friday afternoon.
NFL Draft 2026 best available players for Las Vegas Raiders: Denzel Boston, Kayden McDonald
The Raiders made the inevitable official on Thursday night when they took Indiana's Fernando Mendoza with the first pick in the NFL Draft. Las Vegas now has their quarterback of the future in the Heisman Trophy winner -- and now the real action starts. kAm%96 #2:56CD 92G6 ?:?6 >@C6 A:4<D E@ >2<6 @G6C E96 ?6IE EH@ 52JD[ DE2CE:?8 H:E9 }@] be @? uC:52J 6G6?:?8] w6C6 2C6 D@>6 @AE:@?D E96JVC6 =:<6=J E@ 4@?D:56C H96? @? E96 4=@4< :?
Las Vegas Raiders select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with No. 1 pick in 2026 NFL draft
The Las Vegas Raiders made Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday. Mendoza is the first player since LSU’s Joe Burrow in 2020 to be selected first immediately after winning a national championship and the Heisman Trophy. The Big Ten’s first Heisman winner since Troy Smith in 2006, Mendoza swept the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp Award, Davey O’Brien Award and the Manning Award en route to a national title run with the Hoosiers.
Las Vegas Raiders NFL Draft 2026 pick tracker: Grades, fits and scouting reports
The Las Vegas Raiders enter the 2026 NFL Draft on Thursday with 10 picks over the three-day draft. kAmxEVD ?@ D64C6E E96J H:== FD6 E96 }@] ` D6=64E:@? @? x?5:2?2 BF2CE6C324< u6C?2?5@ |6?5@K2] p7E6C E92E[ E9:?8D 364@>6 =6DD 46CE2:?]k^Am kAm{2D '682D 92D D:I A:4<D H:E9:? E96 E@A `d_ D6=64E:@?D 2?5 9@=6D E@ 7:== 2E D6G6C2= A@D:E:@?Di s676?D:G6 E24<=6[ H:56 C646:G6C[ @776?D:G6 =:?6 2?5 D64@?52CJ 4@F=5 2== 36 255C6DD65 :?
Raiders 2026 NFL Draft big board: Who is fit to join Fernando Mendoza?
The Las Vegas Raiders have plenty of holes on their roster, even after spending hand over fist in free agency. That comes with having the NFL's worst record the previous year. kAmu@CEF?2E6=J[ E96 5C27E 92D A=6?EJ @7 @AE:@?D E@ 255C6DD E9@D6 2C62D @7 ?665] %96 #2:56CD H:== E2<6 42C6 @7 E96:C >@DE :>A@CE2?E A@D:E:@? H96? E96J D6=64E x?5:2?2 BF2CE6C324< u6C?2?5@ |6?5@K2 H:E9 E96 7:CDE A:4<] %96?
Fernando Mendoza says family, travel among reasons for not attending NFL Draft
Projected No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza explained his decision not to attend the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh this week. kAmQ|J >@> C62==J H2?E65 E@ 5@ :E 2E 9@>6 2?5 D@ 5:5 W3@E9X >J A2C6?ED[Q |6?5@K2 D2:5 5FC:?8 2 |@?52J k2 9C67lQ9EEADi^^I]4@>^$A@CEDr6?E6C^DE2EFD^a_ceafdhfaffbdg_geenDla_Qm2AA62C2?46k^2m @? %96 #:49 t:D6? $9@H] QxEVD 2 =@E 62D:6C 7@C FD H:E9 E96 72>:=J D:EF2E:@?]Qk^Am kAm|6?5@K2VD >@E96C[ t=D2[ 92D >F=E:A=6 D4=6C@D:D W|$X[ 2?
Raiders 7-round NFL mock draft: Fernando Mendoza gets a receiver with second pick
The NFL Draft is just days away, and as Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek put it, there's only one team that can get exactly who they want. kAmQ%96C6VD ?@E 2 =@E @7 >JDE6CJ[Q $AJE6< D2:5 2E E96 =628F6VD 2??F2= >66E:?8 :? |2C49] Q(6 DE2CE 2?5 4@?EC@= E96 5C27E]Qk^Am kAm{2D '682D @H?D E96 }@] ` @G6C2== A:4< 7@C E96 7:CDE E:>6 D:?46 a__f] xEVD ?@ D64C6E $AJE6< H:== FD6 :E @? w6:D>2? %C@A9J H:??6C 2?5 ?2E:@?2= 492>A:@?
What could Las Vegas Raiders' 2026 NFL Draft look like after taking Fernando Mendoza No. 1?
Barring anything drastic, Fernando Mendoza will put on a silver and black cap April 23 to overwhelming cheers from his friends and family inside his Miami home. kAmxEVD 366? 2 7@C68@?6 4@?4=FD:@? E92E E96 {2D '682D #2:56CD H:== D6=64E E96 w6:D>2? %C@A9J H:??6C 2?5 ?2E:@?2= 492>A:@? H:E9 E96 7:CDE A:4< :? E96 }u{ sC27E] #2:56CD 86?6C2= >2?286C y@9? $AJE6<VD 4@>>6?ED @? @FED:56 :?E6C6DE 7@C E96 A:4< D66>65 E@ 7FCE96C 46>6?E E96 x?5:2?2 BF2CE6C324< 2D E96 E62>VD 7FEFC6 2E E96 A@D:E:@?]k^Am kAmQ%96C6VD 366?
Astros' Lance McCullers Jr. ready to take advantage of rotation opportunity entering 2026 season
For the first time in five years, Lance McCullers Jr. is healthy to start a season and left pleased following his final tuneup start Tuesday. (Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle) Lance McCullers Jr. will enter the MLB season in the Houston Astros' rotation for the first time since 2021. The pitcher called that a "great" feeling and is excited about the opportunity.
Team USA beats Canada to advance to World Baseball Classic semifinals against the Dominican Republic
United States relief pitcher Mason Miller, right, celebrates with catcher Cal Raleigh after getting Canada's Otto Lopez to strike out to secure a 5-3 win during a World Baseball Classic quarterfinal game, Friday, March 13, 2026, in Houston. (Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle) Alex Bregman has produced in plenty of big moments at Daikin Park.
Alex Bregman is back in Houston for World Baseball Classic and happy to wear the Team USA jersey
United States third baseman Alex Bregman fields a ground ball during a World Baseball Classic workout Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) (David J. Phillip/Associated Press) Alex Bregman made a familiar journey into the home clubhouse of Daikin Park on Thursday afternoon. Bregman, who played his first nine seasons with the Astros and won two World Series titles in Houston, was back as a member of Team USA.
NFL mock draft: Analyzing the first round after the scouting combine and who could Texans get at No. 28
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza (11) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (Julio Cortez/AP) The beginning of March is always a pivotal time for NFL roster construction. The scouting combine has come and gone, giving the league an up-close look at top prospects that can address team needs. That glance allows franchises to weigh incoming talent versus existing options in free agency.
'Always have a piece of my heart': Tytus Howard thanks Houston Texans, fans in farewell message
Houston Texans offensive tackle Tytus Howard (71) takes the field before an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, in Seattle. (Brett Coomer/Staff photographer) Former Houston Texans offensive lineman Tytus Howard took to social media to bid farewell to the franchise on Wednesday. Howard was traded to the Cleveland Browns on Monday morning. He had spent his entire seven-year NFL career with the Texans, a tenure he called "amazing" in an Instagram post Wednesday morning.
Tanner Koziol and Latrell McCutchin Sr. at NFL combine are prime examples of UH's turnaround
Houston tight end Tanner Koziol answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on February 26, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. (Icon Sportswire/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS - The University of Houston failed to receive any invitations to the NFL scouting combine last year for the first time since 2018.
Texas A&M has more players at NFL scouting combine than any other school. It's a tribute to Mike Elko
Sam Warren INDIANAPOLIS - Texas A&M has a school record 13 players participating in this week's NFL scouting combine. The contingent is the largest of any program this year, beating out national champion Indiana and perennial powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State. The Aggies in Indianapolis are proud to represent their university on a national level. They also feel like they're making a statement in doing so. "It's a new era at A&M.
Houston Astros draftee Bryce Boettcher putting baseball on hold - again - to pursue NFL career
INDIANAPOLIS - Houston Astros prospect Bryce Boettcher has yet to play his first game for the organization despite being selected in the 2024 MLB draft. Boettcher said Houston will have to wait longer for that debut as he pursues another sports dream: a career in the NFL.
Houston Dynamo newcomer Guilherme provides instant impact in season-opening win over Chicago Fire
The Dynamo were among MLS' most active teams this offseason, and newcomer Guilherme provided immediate dividends with two goals in Houston's season-opening win over Chicago. (Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images) Houston Dynamo FC made a point to bring in fresh faces for 2026 after a disappointing 2025 campaign, acting as one of Major League Soccer's busiest teams in the winter transfer window. One of those additions made all the difference in Saturday's season opener.
Houston Dynamo owner Ted Segal on 2026 season: 'We can contend for championships'
Majority owner Ted Segal of the Houston Dynamo FC sits on stage at a press conference at Shell Energy Stadium on February 20, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images) Houston Dynamo FC has undergone a massive makeover for the 2026 Major League Soccer season. That includes $30 million upgrades to Shell Energy Stadium, highlighted by the new Regions Bank Club premium seating area and a new home locker room for the players. It also includes a slew of offseason additions to the roster.
The Houston Dynamo spent big to upgrade the roster for 2026. Five players to watch
The 2026 Major League Soccer regular season is set to kickoff this weekend , including the Houston Dynamo opener against the Chicago Fire at 7:30 p.m. at Shell Energy Stadium. After making it to the MLS Playoffs in back-to-back years in 2023 and 2024, the Dynamo finished 9-15-10 to land 12th in the Western Conference in 2025 and miss the postseason. Houston was one of the most active teams in the offseason, adding reinforcements in nearly every area.
Houston Texans routinely got high marks on NFLPA's report cards. Why they're going away
Sam Warren The NFL has won its grievance against the NFL Players Association regarding its annual team report cards. The league announced this in a memo sent to all 32 teams on Friday, according to ESPN . In the ruling, an arbitrator determined that the NFLPA's actions violated the league's collective bargaining agreement and ordered it to stop publicizing any future report cards. The league filed the grievance in mid-November last year.
Houston Texans routinely got high marks on NFLPA's report cards. Why they're going away
Texans owner Cal McNair and the franchise regularly drew good grades on the NFLPA's annual report cards but the surveys are no longer being made public. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle) The NFL has won its grievance against the NFL Players Association regarding its annual team report cards. The league announced this in a memo sent to all 32 teams on Friday, according to ESPN.
NFL's top free agents this offseason and how they might fit with Houston Texans
The first way teams will try to do so is through free agency. The new league year begins on March 11, with clubs being able to contact unrestricted available players in the two days prior. Here's a look at who will be the hot commodities on the market next month. 2025 team: Cincinnati Bengals Age entering 2026 season: 31 Analysis: Hendrickson has been looking for a new team for what feels like the Past few years, but he'll finally get to negotiate freely this offseason.
Oddsmakers like Houston Texans to win AFC South in 2026, but Super Bowl is another story
The Texans were knocked off their perch atop the AFC South after two straight titles. What are the odds they'll get back there? (Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle) The Houston Texans did not win the AFC South for the first time in three seasons in 2025. The Indianapolis Colts appeared to be running away with the division after an 8-2 start. Their utter collapse down the stretch, losing each of their final seven games to miss the playoffs, cracked the door open for Houston.
What to know about Super Bowl 60: Key players, scouting reports and prediction for Seahawks-Patriots
Super Bowl 60 marks a rematch 11 years in the making between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. Kickoff from Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif, is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Sunday and will be televised by NBC and streamed on Peacock. Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) forces a fumble by New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle) The Patriots' passing attack was prolific in the regular season.
Houston Rockets drop second in a row with lackluster loss to Charlotte Hornets
The Houston Rockets couldn't capitalize on a 31-point game from Kevin Durant as they fell to the Charlotte Hornets 109-99 on Thursday night at Toyota Center. Durant's total led all scorers on 11-for-21 shooting. He got some efficient help from Jabari Smith Jr., who notched 17 points on 7-for-10 from the floor. But the rest of the Rockets offered no assistance as they shot a combined 20-for-50 on the night. No other Houston player was in double figures.
Houston Texans expect receiver Tank Dell to return for 2026, and that makes C.J. Stroud happy
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7), wide receiver Tank Dell and tight end Dalton Schultz (86) on the sidelines during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Houston, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle) Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said Tank Dell made a push to return at the end of this season before ultimately missing the whole year.
Texans takeaways in loss to Patriots: Turnovers and no running game waste Will Anderson's big day
Houston Texans running back Woody Marks (27) tackles New England Patriots safety Craig Woodson (31) after Woodson intercepted a pass by Texans quarterback C.J. Stroudduring the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle) The Houston Texans lost to the New England Patriots 28-16 at Gillette Stadium on Sunday afternoon, ending their season and playoff run.
Receiver Stefon Diggs helped a young Houston Texans secondary grow. Now he faces them with Patriots
The Houston Texans' secondary wasn't lacking confidence at the beginning of last season. Despite rookies Kamari Lassiter and Calen Bullock being set for significant roles, Jalen Pitre assuming a new nickel position and corner Derek Stingley Jr. rebounding from an injury-riddled start to his career, the group believed it was one of the best in the league. "I knew what I was whenever I came here," said Lassiter, Houston's first pick of the 2024 NFL draft and a Day 1 starter at corner.
Texans-Steelers roundtable: Can Houston offense score enough? What is the key matchup?
The Houston Texans open their playoff journey on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild-card round Monday night on ESPN/ABC at 7:15 p.m. CT. The Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander and Sam Warren take a look at the main factors and questions we should know. Here's the conversation. ALEXANDER: For one, I'll be looking to see if the field will affect the game. Acrisure Stadium, formerly known as Heinz Field, is known for its terrible playing surface.
Houston Texans at Los Angeles Chargers updates: Texans up two scores at halftime
The Houston Texans (10-5) can clinch a playoff spot with a win over the Los Angeles Chargers (11-4) on Saturday at SoFi Stadium. A win would also keep the Texans alive in the AFC South but Houston would need a loss by Jacksonville. Follow our reports from Inglewood, Calif., throughout the day: Halftime observations The good from the first half was that the Texans' offense started out fast and jumped out to an early 14-0. C.J. Stroud connected with both rookie receivers for explosive touchdowns.
Houston Texans running back Jawhar Jordan finally gets his chance and makes most of it
Houston Texans running back Jawhar Jordan (26) dives through the Arizona Cardinals defense for a first down near the goal line during the second half of an NFL football game at NRG Stadium in Houston, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle) Jawhar Jordan remembers sitting in his apartment as a freshman verbalizing his NFL vision to Garrett Williams.
Houston Rockets get past LA Clippers in chaotic final minute to pull out narrow win
A back-and-forth fourth quarter was finished off by the Houston Rockets as they beat the Los Angeles Clippers 115-113 on Thursday night at Toyota Center. Houston and Los Angeles were tied with under 30 seconds to go after a James Harden 3-pointer knotted things at 110. But the Rockets flashed why they are the best offensive rebounding team in the NBA, as a missed Reed Sheppard 3 was eventually tapped in by Amen Thompson after three combined boards between him and Alperen engn .
Houston Texans takeaways: Defensive mastery and uneven offense in big win over Chiefs
The Houston Texans picked up the biggest win of their 2025 season Sunday night, defeating the defendingAFC champion Kansas City Chiefs 20-10 on the road. The victory is Houston's fifth consecutive and pushes the Texansinto the AFC's No. 7 seed at 8-5, a feat that was almost unimaginable after the team's 0-3 start. Here are some instant takeaways from the pivotal win: Defensive masterclass Houston's offense struggled in the second half after earning a 10-point advantage before the break.
Houston Texans takeaways: Defensive mastery and uneven offense in big win over Chiefs
Houston Texans linebacker Azeez al-Shaair (0) returns the football after intercepting a pass intended for Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce during the second half an NFL football game in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle) The Houston Texans picked up the biggest win of their 2025 season Sunday night, defeating the defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs 20-10 on the road.
How Nick Caley's rushing scheme worked in win over Ravens | Houston Texans film study
The Houston Texans rushing attack was a bit of a mystery heading into the 2025 season. Its schematics were uncertain as new offensive coordinator Nick Caley implemented new concepts. So too were its personnel up front as Houston's offensive line remained in flux after an offseason overhaul. Who would be leading the way in the backfield was also unknown, as Joe Mixon's lower body injury left the Texans without a clear top option at running back.
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