The Oakland Raiders went up to Canada to play a home game against the Green Bay Packers. One of the end zones were not in good condition, so the game was played like a scrimmage on an 8-yard field with no kickoffs, and each team getting the ball at the 15-yard line. The Raiders came back from 11-point deficit to win on a Daniel Carlson field goal 22-21.
Here are four players that stood out for the Raiders.
Anthony Rush Defensive Tackle
Anthony Rush was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Raiders out of UAB. Rush is 6-5 350 pounds and is playing his butt off this preseason. In the game against the Packers, Rush had four tackles and a tackle for a loss. He showed constant push up front blowing several run plays. He also showed the ability to collapse the pocket on pass plays. The Raiders coaching staff have to be impressed by what Rush is doing. It will be hard to keep him off the 53 man roster.
Nathan Peterman Quarterback
Nathan Peterman put together a good game in a comeback victory. Peterman threw for 210 yards on 23 out of 37 passing. Also, he threw two touchdowns. Peterman looked comfortable in the pocket made good decisions. After the first two weeks of throwing a lot of check downs, Peterman threw the ball down the field more in this game, that had to please the Raiders coaching staff. Another thing Peterman did well, he did not turn the ball over, Peterman did throw an interception on a two-point conversion try, but the ball was tipped. Peterman performance should put him in the lead for the backup quarterback spot over Mike Glennon, who struggled in his short playing time.
Keisean Nixon Cornerback
The Packers tested Keisean Nixon deep a lot in this game, but they did not have much success doing it. Nixon ended the game with four pass breakups and showed excellent technique at the corner position. He looked like the Raiders cornerback from the 80s back there with his sticky coverage. Nixon could have played his way to a roster spot; we will have to see what he does next week in the Raiders last preseason game in Seattle.
Keelan Doss Wide Receiver
Keelan Doss is a favorite of mine having seen him play at UC Davis. Even though Doss had few drops in training camp, he has reliable hands. He also is a precise route runner. In the game against Green Bay, Doss had four catches for 52 yards, along with an outstanding sideline catch. He is another undrafted free agent that could play his way on to the roster.
Next Week
These four players will have one more game to earn a roster spot next week in the Raiders final preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks. The Oakland Raiders coaching staff will have some tough decisions to make this year. There has been a lot of good players this season in training camp; the Raiders scouting department did an excellent job on scouting these players.
