Oakland Raiders: Top 5 takeaways from Saturday’s preseason opener

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 10: Nathan Peterman #3 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates a touchdown with Keelan Doss #89 during their NFL preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at RingCentral Coliseum on August 10, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 10: Nathan Peterman #3 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates a touchdown with Keelan Doss #89 during their NFL preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at RingCentral Coliseum on August 10, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 10: Nathan Peterman #3 of the Oakland Raiders runs for 50-yards against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL preseason game at RingCentral Coliseum on August 10, 2019, in Oakland, California. Oakland Raiders (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

3. Nathan Peterman makes his case

The Raiders also have an interesting battle emerging at the backup quarterback position between veteran Mike Glennon and NFL outcast Nathan Peterman.

Peterman has earned a poor reputation in the league — partially deservingly so and partially because of a disastrous situation. But with the Raiders, the former Pittsburgh standout has been given a second chance.

And in Saturday’s game, he looked to make the most of it.

Peterman went a modest 9-for-12 passing for 66 yards but made the highlight reel with a thrilling 50-yard scramble to set up first-and-goal early in the third quarter.

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And while his adversary, Glennon, looked well on his way to a superb outing, two awful mistakes ruined what could have been a special night for the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers signal-caller.

Glennon finished the game going 17-of-25 in the air for 200 yards but threw two untimely interceptions that made everyone forget about the other 17 completions to his own team. The worst of which came when Glennon threw a pass right to opposing cornerback Steven Nelson.

To make matters worse, the interception came when the Raiders were knocking on the Rams door in the red zone.

Given that Glennon has $1.4 million in guaranteed money coming his way, it may be difficult for Peterman to usurp the traveled veteran. But a spot on the practice squad does seem like an option.

And with three preseason games remaining, Peterman could manage to convince the team that he’s the right guy for the job.