Raiders emerge victorious after furious comeback, but much work remains

HOUSTON — The Raiders came to Houston looking for clarity.They got it, especially about their best players.Between a difficult joint practice against the Texans on Tuesday and Thursday night’s 22-20 preseason victory, in which they trailed 20-3 before mounting a furious second-half comeback featuring the bottom-of-the-roster players for both teams, the Raiders received a candid assessment of where they stand against one of the NFL’s elite teams.It was pretty much what anyone paying attention expected.That didn’t make it any less painful.From the top of the roster to the bottom, the Texans are deeper, more talented and further along than the Raiders.And now, it isn’t particularly close even though the Raiders left the field in a better mood than they started the exhibition game.That’s a sobering reminder of how much ground the Raiders still have to cover before they can stand shoulder to shoulder with the NFL’s best.The difference this time is they seem to know it.Unlike seasons past, when the Raiders occasionally operated under grand illusions about how close they were to contention, this version of the franchise appears to understand exactly where it is.Under coach Klint Kubiak, the Raiders have embraced the long road back rather than searching for shortcuts.That requires patience.

Smart drafting.Development.

And probably a few uncomfortable afternoons and evenings like the ones they experienced in Houston.Those moments are inevitable when rebuilding something correctly.The important thing is learning from them.Here are three things that stood out Thursday: California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.Please provide a valid email.

By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Never miss a story After suggesting he might play his starters following their poor showing in Tuesday’s joint practice, Kubiak ultimately reversed course and s...