In preparing for their away game against against Houston, the Raiders went through with their regular preparations as Hue Jackson got his team ready for the Texans. Then unexpectedly, the Raiders lost their legendary owner Al Davis on Saturday – a day before their matchup against the Texans. Davis, who had done so much for not only the Raiders but also the whole league passed away in his home yesterday at the age of 82.
Al Davis was instrumental in breaking color barriers in the NFL as he hired whoever could win a game for him. This was evident as he hired many minority coaches during his tenure. His Oakland Raiders would travel to Houston to play a dangerous Texans team with heavy hearts.
It was a back and forth game that wasn’t decided until the final seconds. The Raiders behind their super kicker Sebastian Janikowski and Darren McFadden held a 25-20 lead late into the 4th quarter. However, Matt Schaub and the Texans overcame penalties on the final drive and a Hail Mary catch by Joel Dreessen had them in the red zone with seven seconds left in the game.
On the game’s final play, QB Matt Schaub rolled to his left and had a seemingly open lane for the game-winning touchdown. However, he decided to throw the ball to a receiver but instead the ball fell in the hands of Raiders safety Michael Huff, sealing the win for the Raiders.
And just like that, the Raiders — on the verge of defeat escaped Houston with an emotional 25-20 victory in honor of their owner Al Davis. It wasn’t pretty but Oakland was able to make the big play when it counted. Though Davis wasn’t there in person to enjoy it, his team did just enough to emerge victorious.
Just Win Baby (RIP Al Davis 1929-2011).