Oakland Raiders: The good, bad, and ugly from preseason win over Seahawks

Good: Backup Quarterback Steps Up

Just a few days ago, HC Jon Gruden admitted that he didn’t know if Oakland’s backup quarterback was currently on the roster – an obvious challenge to his two backup quarterbacks in E.J. Manuel and Connor Cook.

And given their up and down performances through the preseason, it’s hard to blame Gruden for trying to light a fire under them.

Cook, after a pretty solid showing against the Lions in the preseason opener, came out and threw up back to back duds against the Rams and Packers. A job thought to be his to lose – well – he quickly seemed to lose.

Manuel wasn’t all that much better than Cook. He was a bit steadier in the pocket, but wasn’t great, and had real ball security issues, losing three fumbles through the first three games.

Having a capable backup is critical in this league, and the Raiders suddenly found themselves with a big question mark at the position.

Against Seattle though, Manuel came out looking determined to stake his claim to the job. And he very well may have done it, going 18/22 for 255 yards, and three touchdowns. He was decisive, accurate, and moved around very well. Yeah, it was against Seattle’s scrubs, but it’s still somewhat encouraging.

Or, perhaps the bar is so low, we’re looking a little more than fool’s gold.

Cook was okay, when he finally did enter the game late in the third quarter, going 3/5 for 36 yards, and tossing one touchdown.

Both men needed a scintillating performance in what has become a neck-and-neck race for the clipboard holding duties. Only one of them gave it. Given that the team is likely only going to carry two quarterbacks on the active roster, Manuel very well may have pushed Cook off the depth chart and will play backup to Derek Carr for another season.