Oakland Raiders: Thoughts on blowout Week 1 loss

Sep 13, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders fullback Marcel Reece (45) scores a touchdown past Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vincent Rey (57) in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Bengals defeated the Raiders 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Reece earns his role in Musgrave’s offense

How offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave would incorporate Pro Bowl fullback Marcel Reece was a major talking point when he was hired, and on Sunday it looked clear that the new OC would be planning on using his fullbacks plenty in the offense. Giving Reece plenty of targets along with Jamize Olawale, both getting involved in the passing game while Olawale took a handoff for a big gain that was eventually negated due to an Austin Howard holding call.

Reece was impactful with his three catches on Sunday, taking two passes from Matt McGloin to the house to score the Raiders only touchdowns. Once again cementing his status as one of the most dangerous fullbacks in the NFL and a player who needs to be involved in the backfield passing game if the team is going to be successful as an offense.

While Reece was not involved with the rushing attack, his versatility once again has served the Raiders well and prevented a shutout from an otherwise struggling offense in the second half. That alone should elevate his role as the coaching staff learned that their veteran fullback is a reliable weapon for whatever quarterback is under center (assuming Carr’s injury status is minor) and needs to be involved in the offense even if it means being creative in finding snaps for Reece.

It will be interesting to see how many targets Reece gets going forward as his ability to make plays will be needed for an offense that for much of the game struggled to move the ball, two touchdowns close to the endzone show that the Pro Bowler has the nose for TD’s needed to put points on the board. If Musgrave wants to generate offense this season, it may just be a good idea to increase Reece’s involvement as he was one of few positives to talk about after the blowout loss.

Next: Thought #5: McGloin Magic Doesn't Extend to Regular Season