A week after producing a predictable and productive Raiders offense, quarterback Nathan Peterman had a strong game against the Rams, but bounced back to lead Las Vegas to a 17-16 preseason victory at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
But throughout the game, many Raiders had a chance to impress coach Jon Gruden as Las Vegas prepares to narrow its roster before the regular season. Some yes and some no. These are the winners and winners of the Raiders in the second week of the preseason.
Winners
Nate Hobbs
For the second week in a row, rookie cornerback Nate Hobbs hit the game behind the fighting line. He showed an impressive instinct when it came to attacking the keeper at the beginning of the game, reading a pass to the right with a long shot to give Rams receiver JJ Koski a clean slate, forcing a point.
Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley also sent him into another bombing storm, just as he did last week. This time, Hobbs missed the quarterback, even though he got it. But he showed astonishing speed as he entered the backfield. In the third quarter, Hobbs also made a play in high school, with an athletic interception.
The Raiders may have a real find in Hobbs. Fifth-round pick, so far is thriving in Bradley’s defense. And that’s lucky for Las Vegas. He is scheduled to start in the nickel corner with veteran Nevin Lawson suspended to open the season.
Alex Leatherwood
The prized selection of the first round of the Raiders is a work in progress and must be developed quickly. Las Vegas needs to start the first week, as a rookie or not, as a rock in the right attacks.
Leatherwood played early in the game and had good times in several quick plays, nibbling his feet agilely and pushing the defenders back. Many of those moments were when he and another Raider were up against two against a Rams linebacker, but he did his job and then some.
He also looked solid in passing protection, but his moment of victory came when he caught a bombardment from a smaller defender. Leatherwood struggled with lost tasks a week ago, so it was a noticeable improvement. In addition, he looks like an elite athlete in most of his moves, as advertised.
Marcell Ateman
The Raiders ’offense fought back powerfully after runner Trey Ragas hit an ingenious 4th and TD goal in the first quarter, with quarterback Nathan Peterman having a good fortune with a poor block and sloping foosballs that turned into two interceptions.
But in the fourth quarter, great receiver Marcell Ateman shook his defender and was open to a 29-yard TD pass from Peterman, giving Las Vegas a 17-10 lead. Written in the first year of return of coach Jon Gruden with the Raiders in 2018, Ateman has remained around the franchise despite the short playing time. A big-body WR type that the team has little, Ateman argued that Saturday would continue to be Raider.