Oakland Raiders: Winners and losers from Preseason Week 1
Losers
QB Mike Glennon
Glennon had several well-placed throws, but he tossed two ill-advised passes — both interceptions — one in the red zone. The 29-year old went 17-of-25 for 200 yards with a pair of picks and no touchdowns.
For those keeping score, Peterman should have an early lead on Glennon for the primary backup quarterback job. As the more experienced veteran, the latter should look better than he did Saturday.
OT Brandon Parker
Brandon Parker didn’t have the best offseason, at times finishing plays on the ground. Against Los Angeles, he continued to struggle in pass protection and drew multiple infractions. Because of his poor blocking on the perimeter, the Rams managed to pressure Glennon into a bad throw in the first half.
The Raiders coaching staff kept Parker in the lineup throughout the game, allowing him to soak up much-needed reps to improve his play.
He lined up at left tackle for three terms at North Carolina A&T, and his time at right tackle in the pros hasn’t gone well. The 2018 third-rounder seems like a second- or third-string talent on that side.
OG Denver Kirkland
Denver Kirkland didn’t experience a rough outing in terms of performance, but he stepped away from the field and into the medical tent momentarily. Although the 25-year old returned to action, Gruden has already decided to give Devey the initial chance to win the starting job at right guard going forward.
With Jonathan Cooper expected to start at left guard, Kirkland will probably fight for a back-end roster slot through the remainder of the summer. Once Jackson and Denzelle Good (back surgery) return, he’ll see little to no snaps or land on the free-agent market.
S Curtis Riley
The Raiders have an open spot at safety. According to The Athletic’s Vic Tafur, Curtis Riley has a shot to win the job:
Hey, there is a game tonight. One player to watch is Curtis Riley, who is slowly but surely making a move on the starting safety spot opposite Johnathan Abram. #Raiders
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) August 10, 2019
Riley seems like he’s closer to losing his roster spot than earning a starting position. The three-year veteran had a couple of rough outings during joint practices with the Rams:
Emotions starting to get dialed up between Rams offense and Raiders defense. Gerald Everett abused Curtis Riley for a TD, then spiked the ball. Raiders then pick Blake Bortles and all 7 players in the drill ran together all the way back to the end zone. Not even live hitting yet
— Adam Hill (@AdamHillLVRJ) August 8, 2019
Jared Goff finds Robert Woods on a cross at the pylon for a TD. Curtis Riley in tow.
— Levi Damien (@LeviDamien) August 7, 2019
Riley logged two tackles, one solo, in a quiet preseason outing. He didn’t accomplish enough close in on a role with the starters or even redeem himself following subpar practices.
Next. NFL Power Rankings after Preseason Week 1. dark
Unless Riley shows a complete turnaround, the Raiders should continue to use Karl Joseph and Erik Harris at safety, next to Abram.