Over the last couple of years, especially with the consistent injuries to Darren McFadden, Marcel Reece has emerged as one of the Raiders most reliable and effective offensive weapons. However, in the Raiders loss to the Colts on Sunday Reece was only on the field for 24 of the Raiders 67 plays and touched the ball only once.
There are numerous reasons for this happening, the most obvious of which is that teams are aware of Reece’s ability and game plan against him. Reece, however, is taking everything in stride and not letting it affect him as he told CSN Bay Area:
“I just roll with the punches and continue to stay ready for the time when my number’s called. But I’ve been here six years, and I know people are gunning for me. I try to prepare to beat anything a defense tries to do against me. The key is to prepare for every look, every option.”
Reece has exceptional speed and mobility for a fullback making him a very tough cover for most linebackers. Reece would obviously like to be featured more, but is willing to do whatever he has to as long as the team wins:
“As a competitor, I never want to come off the field. The game goes how it goes and I’ll do whatever it takes to help the team win. If I have to be off the field half the game, that’s what I’ll do.”
With other explosive options like McFadden, Denarius Moore, and Rod Streater along with the continued improvement of quarterback Terrelle Pryor, it’s easy for Reece to get lost in the shuffle. But with the skill set he provides you would like to see offensive coordinator Greg Olson find a way to get Reece more touches as well. Hopefully we will see an increase this Sunday.