After another tough loss, let’s break down this week’s winners and losers.
Winners
Fullback Marcel Reece
With running backs Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson out with injury, the 6’2" 250 pound fullback Marcel Reece (along with Taiwan Jones) were tasked with filling a role that for most of this season has not lived up to its potential.
Marcell Reece stepped in and had one of the most productive games of his career. Rushing for 103 yards (with a long of 17 yards) on 19 carries, Reece made quick single cut decisions against an aggressive Saints defense.
Reece was a valuable option for Oakland Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer. Both out of the backfield and splitting off as a wide receiver, he led the team with four catches for 90 yards.
Marcel Reece has proven himself a valuable, versatile weapon for this Oakland Raiders offense.
Oakland Raiders penalties
If there is one team positive we can take away from this game, it’s Oakland’s reduced penalties. Coming off of a 10 penalty, 105 yard day in a blowout game versus the Baltimore Ravens, this week the Dennis Allen-led team was penalized four times for 40 yards.
A step in the right direction, in a game where all their other steps were backward.
Losers
Raiders Defense
Both against the pass and the run, the Oakland Raiders struggled to stop the New Orleans Saints offense.
Oakland could not stop Saints quarterback Drew Brees’ deep ball (20-27 for 219 yards and 3 touchdowns) OR a Mark Ingram-led Saints rushing attack, which gained 153 total rushing yards against the Raiders front seven.
The New Orleans Saints were able to capitalize off of a defense that ended ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
