Oakland Raiders Beat LA Rams, Jon Gruden Backs Antonio Brown in his “Helmet Issue”

The Oakland Raiders have defeated the NFC champions, LA Rams last night, with 14-3, and started their preseason.

In the most anticipated match of them all in Week 1 of the preseason, Jon Gruden’s guys were pretty ruthless against the Super Bowl runners up, even though those two crews were without most of their stars. Still, for the Raiders who are trying to make a big leap in this season and at least enter the playoffs, this game had huge importance.

The Raiders opened the game by scoring in the middle of the first period. It was their opening drive and an excellent sequence of QB Mike Glennon. The 29-year old had three straight completions and led his team all the way. Eventually, DeAndre Washington rushed for 7 yards and carried the ball into Rams’ endzone.

Glennon would later ruin his good role, with two interceptions, but finished the contest with 200 yards, 17 of 25. Meanwhile, the other QB of the Raiders, Nathan Peterman amazed everyone with his 50-yard run, which preceded the second touchdown. He would connect Keelan Doss with a 3-yard pass to secure Raiders’ win later in the third period.

Gruden was very pleased with the way both of his QB’s played but wanted to give credit to Peterman at the press conference.

“He can run,” Oakland coach said. “As he continues to gain command of the offense, he’s going to be an interesting guy to watch.”

On the other side, we saw a big name competing for Jarred Goff’s backup spot – Blake Bortles. He was involved in one series and didn’t shine as many believed. The former Jaguar threw 50 yards having 3 completions from 8 throws.

Still, according to the Rams coach, Sean McVay, he did a pretty good job.

“He’s shown that he can be a big-time quarterback and he’s really picked up things nicely,” McVay said. “He is really unfazed by anything that doesn’t go our way.

The only points for the team from LA were brought by Greg Zuerlein, who scored a field goal from 36 yards 1:57 before the end of the second.

What everybody wanted to know is the news on the current Antonio Brown situation. The superstar doesn’t want to play until the league allows him to play with his old helmet. Right now, AB is not with the team because of his problems with an injury. But even if he was fit for playing games, the wide receiver would most definitely refuse that.

He even filed a grievance, saying that the league does not want to allow him to wear his helmet. That part of his equipment didn’t receive a certificate from the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment which means that the player can’t wear it anymore. Brown meanwhile, wants to have it, and he is very determined in his intention, regardless of the possible consequences.

Gruden stressed out that the team is behind their player. The situation is complicated, but they re behind the No.84.

“The helmet thing is a personal matter to him. He has a strong feeling about what he’s worn on his head, and we’re supporting him. We understand the league’s position as well, so we’re in a tough spot.”

Just to remind you all, Brown wore that helmet for 10 years while playing with the Steelers.

Up next, the Rams play at home against the Dallas Cowboys, while Raiders head for Arizona, to test the No,.1 overall pick from this year’s draft Kyler Murray and his Arizona Cardinals this Thursday.