HOUSTON -- The easiest thing to do is to acknowledge the rising star power featured by the Oakland Raiders and acknowledge its role in landing atop the AFC West.There is no denying that quarterback Derek Carr, receiver Amari Cooper, and defensive end Khalil Mack are integral to the Raiders foundation. Oakland (7-2) emerges from its bye week on a three-game winning streak set to face the AFC South-leading Houston Texans (6-3) on Monday night in Mexico Citys Estadio Azteca.The Raiders recent collection of early-round draft picks have emerged ahead of schedule and have matched expectations relative to their individual talents. But the Raiders have become the talk of the NFL thanks in no small measure to their depth, and a number of their rotation players were serendipitous discoveries.The Raiders feature 19 undrafted players on their current roster and those players have combined to start 29 games this season.Behind Carr, Cooper (58 receptions for 843 yards and two touchdowns) and receiver Michael Crabtree (49 receptions for 596 yards and six touchdowns), Oakland ranks sixth in the NFL in passing offense at 278.3 yards per game. The Raiders are even better in pass protection, pacing the league with Carr operating behind an offense line showcasing undrafted tackles Donald Penn and Austin Howard.While Penn has started all nine games this season, Howard has made five starts at right tackle. Toss in undrafted rookie guard Denver Kirkland, who has made four starts as an extra lineman, and the Raiders have parlayed line stability into success.The number of (undrafted players) that made our team jumps out, Raiders coach Jack Del Rio said. For us, its been a process. Its not like all of a sudden we look up and were shocked by it because weve been working with these guys and developing these guys and theyve been giving great energy and effort every day.What is vital to the Raiders is maintaining the momentum theyve cultivated winning six of seven games. Their success has generated conversation throughout the league, and how the Raiders handle their lofty status atop the division will be revealed in how they perform against the Texans after their scheduled break.Weve just got to get back in the swing of things and keep our same focus, Raiders defensive tackle Dan Williams said. Right now, were in good position to achieve our first goal, which is to win the West. I think everybody has the same focus. Weve definitely matured from a year ago and I think were going to get back where we left off.Penn said, Things are coming together. I cant wait to see where its going to go.The Texans removed one monkey from their collective backs by winning on the road for the first time this season, outlasting the Jaguars in Jacksonville on Sunday.What should galvanize the Texans was the performance of their rushing offense against the Jaguars.Before the break, Houston posted just 105 rushing yards against Detroit, its third-lowest total this season. The Texans rebounded for a season-best 181 rushing yards in Jacksonville to offset another subpar effort from quarterback Brock Osweiler and provide hope for an uneven offense moving forward.I think its good, Texans coach Bill OBrien said of the running game. I think theres always things we can improve, but we ran for 180 last game and ran it pretty good against Detroit, so I think its been good.But every weeks different. This is a very, very stout defense. Theyve got big guys inside, good guys on the edge and fast, athletic guys on the inside at linebacker, so its going to be a different challenge.Mack has been a terror in the past four weeks, producing 18 tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a pass breakup. In a 15-12 Raiders win over the Denver Broncos last season, Mack sacked Osweiler five times.Taking that exceptional individual performance into account, Osweiler and the Texans will have a keen eye on Mack.Its very important, Osweiler said. You know, any time you play against a player like Khalil Mack, you need to respect what he brings to the table and you need to have answers for what he brings to the table.Were very fortunate to have a phenomenal offensive coaching staff here, led by (offensive coordinator George) Godsey and Coach OBrien. Im sure theyll have answers for him. But without a question, we are well aware of what Khalil Macks capable of doing -- obviously I experienced it firsthand last year -- and we will have answers for him. Emerson Chelsea Jersey . Ferrer, trying to win his fourth title on Mexican soil, will next play South Africas Kevin Anderson, who eliminated American Sam Querrey,7-6 (2), 6-4. Also Wednesday, Gilles Simon (6) of France beat Donald Young of the United States 6-4, 6-3, Ukraines Alexandr Dolgopolov downed Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-3, 6-4 and Croatias Ivo Karlovic defeated Dudi Sela of Israel 7-6 (4), 6-2. Pedro Jersey .Y. - Free agent outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, fresh off winning the World Series with Boston, reached agreement with the rival New York Yankees on a seven-year contract worth about $153 million, a person familiar with the negotiations said Tuesday night. http://www.chelseasoccerjerseysonline.com/womens-kepa-arrizabalaga-chelsea-jersey/ . -- Jimmy Walkers first PGA Tour trophy came with a special gift tucked inside. Olivier Giroud Jersey .com) - Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Roger Federer were easy first-round winners Tuesday at the Australian Open. Davide Zappacosta Chelsea Jersey . -- Catcher Brett Hayes has agreed to a $630,000, one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals, avoiding salary arbitration. OWINGS MILLS, Md. --?Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco practiced for the first time this week and showed no effects from an injured right shoulder.Flacco threw fine on short and intermediate routes Friday during the media viewing portion. He began with quick throws from 10 yards out and then threw to tight end Dennis Pitta on 10- to 15-yard routes.The team officially has listed him as questionable.?Pitta would be surprised if Flacco didnt start Sunday against the New York Jets.He looked good, Pitta said after practice. He was throwing the ball well. He didnt seem in any kind of pain. So we should see the same old Joe Flacco.Ravens coach John Harbaugh, who was optimistic about Flaccos status earlier in the week, said Flaccos return was encouraging on Friday but wouldnt indicate the chances that Flacco would play.Well see how he responds [Saturday], Harbaugh said.Flacco underwent treatment aafter practice and was unavailable to talk to reporters.ddddddddddddFlacco has been one of the most durable quarterbacks in the league. He started his first 137 games -- the fifth-longest streak by a quarterback in NFL history -- before suffering a season-ending knee injury last November.Backup quarterback Ryan Mallett?worked with the starters when Flacco missed practice Wednesday and Thursday.The Ravens were without seven players at Fridays practice: linebackers Terrell Suggs (biceps), Elvis Dumervil (foot) and C.J. Mosley (hamstring); wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. (ankle); guard Marshal Yanda (shoulder); cornerback Shareece Wright (thigh); and safety Kendrick Lewis (thigh).Dumervil and Mosley were later ruled out. Smith, Lewis, Suggs, Wright and Yanda are doubtful.? ' ' '
