Big plays, disputed calls, lasers highlight return to Mexico

The Raiders (8-2) seized the conference’s top seed from the Patriots after defeating the Houston Texans on Monday Night Football in Mexico City, earning their seventh win in eight games and putting further pressure on the Patriots to win the rest of the games on their own schedule.

“Everyone pats me on the back and gives me a high-five and all that”, said Carr, who threw for 295 yards on 21-of-31 passing with three touchdowns and an interception, his first pick in 170 attempts.

While most of the NFL’s global focus has been on growing the game in the UK and trying to have a London franchise, it was in Mexico City 11 years ago where the first regular-season game outside of the United States was held.

Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler was targeted by a green laser on several plays, something that’s common against visiting soccer teams at Azteca.

“The feeling in that locker room after that game is there’s a lot of football left and we have a lot to build on from that game”, coach Bill O’Brien said.

“We got punched in the mouth, for lack of a better word, and we were throwing them back”, Carr said.

“I just care about the Raiders“, said the 43-year-old electrician whose family moved from Mexico to the United States when he was a baby, though he used an expletive against Trump under his silver and black sombrero.

It’s one thing for the Houston Texans to lose against a franchise passer.

But next time they’ll try to ban laser pointers.

The Raiders took advantage of two dubious placements by officials to complete an 85-yard run and take the lead on with a 35-yard pass from Carr to Cooper.

The success of the game and full weekend of events could entice the league to bring more games. “But on a positive note, we held them to 30 yards rushing”.

Osweiler, who has been inconsistent in his first season in Houston, wasn’t great on Monday, but O’Brien believes that he is making progress.

Fullback Jamize Olawale also proved to be a key target for Carr as he scored the next Raiders touchdown, hauling in a 75-yard pass for a touchdown to tie the game.

This is something that barely happens in the United States but is frequent in worldwide soccer matches, Osweiler said he has never seen anything like it playing football.

On a third-and-2 from the Oakland 16, Lamar Miller ran wide and appeared to get the first down before being tackled by Malcolm Smith.

TOUCHDOWN FIRSTS: The teams traded touchdowns in the first half with a pair of rookies getting their first scoring receptions in their career. He made hard throws on third down and executed play-action passes very well.

No matter. Derek Carr knew they were going to win.

“Certainly, having a laser zoomed in on your eyeball definitely affects how you play”, Osweiler said.

The Texans will also head back home for a Week 12 matchup against the San Diego Chargers.