NAPA – Derek Carr is the unquestioned starting quarterback around Raiders training camp. He has been for years now but his backups have cycled through, with annual competitions to be his No. 2.
Mike Glennon's certainly the favorite in that quest, though discounting Nathan Peterman might be a mistake.
The former Buffalo Bills starter, who has thrown interceptions by the bushel when given a chance to play, has found second life working under Jon Gruden.
The Raiders head coach liked Peterman's game when he was a television analyst and Peterman was draft eligible out of the University of Pittsburgh.
He signed Peterman to the practice squad last season, and even that minor transaction raised some eyebrows. After all, Peterman has become an easy punch line following some terrible performances in Buffalo.
He has plenty of talent, though, and seems to be engaged in a fair position battle at Raiders training camp.
Sports
Gruden was asked about the backup quarterback competition Tuesday, and chose to talk exclusively about Peterman.
"This Nate Peterman is growing on me," Gruden said. "He's athletic. I know he has had some nightmare performances in the NFL but, when you watch the film you can see why. It's not all his fault. He has some talent. He has some athleticism and experience. He was an opening-day starter for the Buffalo Bills last year.
"I take that very serious. He's smart, and has done a good job. He has been consistent, and I think he's starting to get his confidence back. We all need that."
[RELATED: Hunter Renfrow showing slot role is his to lose]
Peterman has flashed a strong, accurate arm during the offseason program and in training camp. He's also only 25 years old, and could be an asset as a backup or trade chip if he plays well this preseason. Glennon still seems to have an inside track on the No. 2 spot behind Carr, but Peterman's certainly in the mix as training camp progresses.
"We'll continue to do that throughout camp," offensive coordinator Greg Olson said, "until someone separates themselves."
