Nathan Peterman looks like an NFL quarterback. He’s 6-foot-2, 225 pounds and has a strong arm. Coming out of Pittsburgh in 2017, Peterman was selected in the fifth round by the Buffalo Bills, and some analysts – including current Raiders head coach Jon Gruden – liked Peterman’s skill set and potential.
Yet in eight NFL games in Buffalo, Peterman had terrible results, throwing 12 interceptions vs. just three touchdowns and compiling a quarterback rating of 32.5. As a starter, he was 1-3.
Now, after being picked up by the Raiders late last season, Peterman is competing for a backup role in Oakland behind Derek Carr, going against Mike Glennon.
Glennon has had far more success in the NFL than Peterman, yet Peterman this week got a huge boost from Gruden.
Gruden told Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal that, "This Nate Peterman is growing on me."
Gruden acknowledged Peterman has had "some nightmare performances" as a pro, but said a film review shows all those interceptions (9.2 percent of his throws have been picked off) weren’t his fault.
Said Gruden: "He’s got some talent. He’s got some athleticism. He has some experience. He was an Opening Day starter for the Buffalo Bills last year. I take that very serious. He’s smart. He’s done a good job. He’s been consistent, and I think he’s starting to get his confidence back. We all need that."
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The Bills released Peterman in November, which is when the Raiders signed him to their practice squad.
Glennon will be tough for Peterman to beat for the No. 2 QB job, based on past performance. Over 22 NFL starts, Glennon has thrown 35 TD passes vs. just 20 interceptions, and his quarterback rating is 84.0.
