Missed call costs potential TD
MEXICO CITY — A blown call on a sideline catch by wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins cost the Texans a potential touchdown during the first quarter of Monday night’s 27-20 loss to Oakland.
Hopkins tight-roped the sideline after catching a pass from quarterback Brock Osweiler, but television replays clearly showed Hopkins did not step out of bounds as he kept running unencumbered toward the end zone. However, officials blew the play dead and ruled Hopkins out of bounds at the Raiders’ 36-yard line after a 24-yard gain.
Texans coach Bill O’Brien attempted to challenge the play, which was not reviewable under NFL instant-replay rules. O’Brien threw the red-challenge flag but was not charged a timeout even though NFL rules state that teams should lose a timeout if they attempt to challenge a non-reviewable call.
“Let’s go back to the first quarter,” O’Brien said after the game. “Was Hopkins out of bounds on that play? No.”
The Texans wound up settling for a 33-yard field goal by Nick Novak and a 3-0 lead.
Hopkins refused to criticize the officiating when asked about the controversial call.
“I’m not talking about that subject,” said Hopkins, who caught five passes for 58 yards.
QB Osweiler catches his deflected pass
Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler was involved in a strange play during the first half when he caught his own pass after it was deflected by Raiders defensive end Denico Autry.
The first-and-goal play prevented a potential touchdown pass to offensive tackle Duane Brown. Osweiler lost 6 yards on the play.
Brown, who was wide open in the end zone after reporting as an eligible player, played tight end at Virginia Tech before coach Frank Beamer convinced the Richmond, Va., native that he had an NFL future as an offensive tackle.
Osweiler, who finished 26-of39 passing for 243 yards, made up for the miscue by delivering a 12-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Braxton Miller .It marked the first score of Miller’s career.
Ervin fumbles, suffers injury on same play
Texans rookie kickoff returner Tyler Ervin fumbled the ball away in the first half.
The ball deflected off Ervin’s chest and was recovered by the Raiders, leading to a 19-yard field goal by Sebastian Janikowski after a goal-line stand by the Texans’ defense.
It was Ervin’s second lost fumble of the season.
The fourth-round draft pick from San Jose State injured his chest during the sequence against the Raiders and left the game.
Ervin said he injured his ribs earlier in the game, and he will be examined when he returns to Houston.
Fuller has one catch as he makes return
Texans rookie wide receiver Will Fuller was active for Monday night’s game and finished with one reception for 17 yards.
Texans coach Bill O’Brien had characterized Fuller’s status as a game-time decision.
Fuller was sidelined for the Texans’ victory over Jacksonville last week with a knee injury suffered against Detroit on Oct. 30.
Stadium’s history has place in Novak’s heart
Growing up in Virginia, Texans kicker Nick Novak was an accomplished high school soccer player and an avid fan of the international game.
For Novak, playing against the Raiders at Estado Azteca represented a historically significant moment beyond participating in the first Monday night game played outside the United States.
Novak, 35, recalled Argentina soccer star Diego Maradona’s famous goal against England at the World Cup at Estadio Azteca before 115,000 on June 22, 1986.
“I’m a huge soccer fan, especially the 1986 World Cup when Diego Maradona scored that ‘Hand of God’ goal,” said Novak, who kicked a 33-yard field goal in the first quarter. “That was amazing when he passed almost the entire team. To be playing on the same field as him, it’s like watching one of your heroes.
“It’s pretty neat, especially as a big soccer fan. A lot of great players have played there. Both of my brothers played college soccer. It will be a dream of theirs to be in my shoes.”
U.S. sprinter Smith back in Mexico City
Olympic gold medalist Tommie Smith returned to Mexico City as a guest of the Raiders.
The American sprinter lit the torch honoring former Raiders owner Al Davis in a pregame ceremony at Estadio Azteca. The trophy traditionally is lit at Raiders home games.
This was Smith’s second time in Mexico City since he famously raised his black-gloved fist with bronze medalist John Carlos as a sign of black power after his victory in the 200-meter final at the 1968 Summer Games.
Mark Davis, the Raiders owner and son of Al Davis, said this week it was the “right time and right moment” to honor Smith.