Oakland Raiders: Winners and losers from Preseason Week 1

Winners

QB Nathan Peterman

When Gruden said Nathan Peterman was “growing” on him after a training camp practice, many people laughed at the comment. Peterman had some abysmal performances with the Buffalo Bills, recording three touchdowns and 12 interceptions while completing 52.3 percent of his passes in eight games.

Albeit on the field against backups, Peterman flashed his arm and wheels, scrambling for 50 yards downfield. Two plays later, he threw a touchdown pass on a slant pattern to wide receiver Keelan Doss. For Peterman, one solid exhibition outing doesn’t erase a hideous past in Buffalo, but he inches closer to the primary backup position behind Derek Carr with Gruden’s eyes on him.

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RB DeAndre Washington

Running backs Josh Jacobs, Doug Martin and Jalen Richard didn’t suit up Saturday, leaving the ball-carrying duties to DeAndre Washington, James Butler and Mack Brown. Washington opened the game in the backfield and took advantage of his opportunities, logging 45 yards and a touchdown from scrimmage, which included a nifty one-handed grab in the middle of the field.

The Raiders selected Jacobs in the first round of this year’s draft and re-signed Martin after Isaiah Crowell tore his Achilles, which puts Washington on notice. He’s fighting for a roster spot but reminded everyone of his versatility as a ball-carrier and pass-catcher out of the backfield.

Washington would have to claim the fourth slot at running back or push Martin out of his spot to make the 53-man roster in Oakland.

OL Jordan Devey

Offensive lineman Jordan Devey started the game at center and played well in a short glimpse. He staved off interior pocket pressure, which allowed quarterback Mike Glennon time to deliver strikes from the pocket.

Devey will have an opportunity to claim the right guard spot while Jackson recovers from an MCL injury, per Gruden:

Devey has starting experience at all three interior positions; the Raiders may rely on him to fill a void for at least the first month of the season.

DE Arden Key

Arden Key jumped off the screen Saturday. He logged three solo tackles, one for loss and a sack. Last year, the LSU product struggled to wrap up and take down the quarterback but flashed his play-making ability to signal improvement going into his sophomore campaign.

Key gave a postgame shoutout to defensive line coach Brentson Buckner, citing his instruction as a factor in Saturday’s performance:

The Raiders seem content with Key in a rotational role, but he could see a spike in pressures despite his prospective situational duties. If the defense can stop the run on earlier downs, the 23-year old can tee off on the quarterback.