Fernando Mendoza, Raiders, looking at true stress test against Texans

HOUSTON – Seeking clarity, the Raiders are trading the dry desert heat of Las Vegas for the thick August humidity of southeast Texas this week.Waiting for them in Houston is something far more valuable than comfortable weather: answers.Specifically, about an offensive line the Raiders believe is headed in the right direction but still needs to prove it.About its ability to protect whoever ultimately lines up at quarterback.

And about whether it can consistently create running room for Ashton Jeanty and an offense Klint Kubiak intends to build from the ground up.They could not have handpicked a better measuring stick.The Texans boast one of the NFL’s best, deepest and most physical defenses, particularly up front, where they can stress an offensive line in ways the Raiders simply can’t manufacture against themselves every day.That makes Tuesday’s joint practice less about winning individual reps and more about discovering exactly where the Raiders stand.A year ago, their offensive line ranked among the NFL’s biggest liabilities.Today, there are legitimate reasons to believe a revival is underway.

Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum has been dropped into the middle of the operation.Kolton Miller is back at left tackle.

And Kubiak and veteran offensive line coach Rick Dennison have brought a scheme and teaching philosophy designed to create cohesion, movement and a more dependable running game.There have been encouraging signs throughout training camp.Houston represents the reality check.If the Raiders’ offensive line really has taken the step forward they believe it has, there may be no better place to prove it than against a Texans defense capable of exposing every weakness, communication breakdown and technical flaw.And if there are still cracks in the foundation?Better to find them now than in September.It goes deeper than that, of course.After investing the first overall pick in the NFL draft on Indiana Heisman Trophy winner and national champion Ferna...