Texans HC DeMeco Ryans says joint practice with Raiders was a "really great opportunity"

The Houston Texans just had their first joint practice of the year against the Las Vegas Raiders, going against quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.

While it was not perfect for either side of the ball, head coach DeMeco Ryans thought it was a good opportunity to see where the Texans are so far.

"It was a really great opportunity,” Ryans said. “We've been looking forward to the joint practice versus the Raiders. Being out here today, it was a really good day. Both sides are really competitive football, physical football. Both sides making plays, so a lot of positives from us on both sides. Also a lot to learn, a lot to clean up as well. We got out of the joint practice right now exactly what we wanted. Really good competitive work, different schemes to go against different players. It was really great work, so proud of the guys for today."

This will not be the only opportunity for Houston’s starters to go against the Raiders. Both Houston and Las Vegas are expected to play their starters in their preseason matchup this coming Thursday. For the Texans’ starters, this will be their first time getting preseason action this year.  

DeMeco Ryans on the Texans run game at today’s joint practice with the Raiders:

“I really liked the way we ran the football. Stuck well onto our blocks & finished well. Our running backs, they were the highlight of the day for me, the way they ran the ball, physical, low pad… pic.twitter.com/2k7mFc5PnQ

It will be the second preseason game for Mendoza, who had a solid debut against the Arizona Cardinals, completing 10-of-16 passes, throwing his first touchdown and not having a turnover yet. Therefore, Houston has the opportunity to truly welcome Mendoza to the NFL and force his first turnover outside of practice. It will also be a good opportunity for the Texans defense to rebound from their preseason opener against the Los Angeles Chargers.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans HC DeMeco Ryans says joint practice with Raiders was a "really great opportunity"