BALTIMORE – Marcell Ateman spent key portions of his NFL debut locking horns with Patrick Peterson. The Arizona Cardinals cornerback ranks high among the NFL’s best, but the Raiders' rookie wide receiver wasn't ntimidated.
That would have only detracted from his primary objective. He was reverent yet unafraid, which is how Ateman's first professional catch came against the three-time All-Pro.
“You have to be respectful, but at the same time you go out and battle against him,” Ateman said. “That’s your job and you can’t be afraid to do it. That’s what the sport is. That’s what you’re supposed to do.