Some look at Nathan Peterman and see an interception machine.
Jon Gruden sees a diamond that just needs some polishing and another chance.
Gruden and the Raiders signed Peterman this week to the practice squad as an insurance policy, in case starter Derek Carr should be hurt in Monday’s matchup with the Denver Broncos. Backup quarterback A.J. McCarron was in Alabama for the birth of his second son (who arrived late Thursday) so if he can’t get back in time – or something else happens between now and Monday -- Peterman could be standing on the sideline on Christmas eve.
Peterman was cut loose by the Buffalo Bills on Nov. 14 after two failed seasons. He was taken in the fifth round of the 2017 draft by Buffalo out of Pitt. In eight games with the Bills, including two starts this season and in 2017, Peterman threw a whopping 12 interceptions. He’s thrown just three touchdown passes and his quarterback rating is 32.5.
In his final game with the Bills, Peterman threw three picks in a 41-9 loss to the Bears. In a 2017 54-24 loss to the Rams, Peterman was intercepted five times.
So, he comes to Oakland with some beat-up baggage.
But Gruden is willing to give him another shot, believing he has some skills and just needs some work. Gruden said he worked with Peterman when the quarterback began his college career at Tennessee, before transferring.
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“I spent a lot of time there,” Gruden told Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com. “I know what kind of kid he is and what kind of worker he is.”
Gruden also pointed to the fact Peterman had a good game in college, leading Pitt to a win over Clemson when he threw for five TDs with no pickoffs.
“He’s an athletic guy,” said Gruden. “I know he’s had some problems in Buffalo, but again, we’re talking about our practice-squad quarterback here. We have a big game on Monday night.”
The 3-11 Raiders will play the 6-8 Denver Broncos Monday at O.co Coliseum, with kickoff set for 5:15 p.m. The Broncos are 3-point favorites.
