Jon Gruden’s affinity for Raiders backup quarterback Nathan Peterman made it funny to every fan (except for Raiders fans) that the coach signed the backup to a contract last December after two unfortunate seasons with the Buffalo Bills.
Now, Peterman is winning Gruden’s heart in training camp.
“This Nate Peterman is growing on me,” Gruden said Tuesday. “He’s athletic. I know he’s got some nightmare performances in the NFL, but when you watch the film, you can see why: It’s not all his fault.
“But 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 seriously. 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.”
Gruden was high on the former Pittsburgh Panther (who *did* lead the team gives Clemson its only loss back in 2016 before the Tigers won the National Championship) before he was drafted in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Gruden said then, “Peterman is ready to walk in and be a contributor from day one,” on ESPN.com. Surely, Raiders fans are just rooting even harder for full health for Derek Carr.
