So who are we starting out of the OAK backfield?

[Swoboman87 0]

Marcel Reese or Taiwan Jones? I think they both have the potential to get around 10 points against a bad run D.

[WR Guru 31]

Jones is almost a complete unknown. Reece at least you know will dominate passing downs and, I would imagine, be the goaline back as well. To me it's an easy call unless/until we see anything from Jones.

[TheUsualSuspect 207]

Zack Crockett...goal line beast.

[BobSanders_33 127]

I agree that the back to play right now would be Reece. I remember watching Oakland games last year and mistaking him for Bush when he touched the ball. You know that he will play in passing downs, hurry up, and get the short yardage carries. Jones has low upside being the smaller back and not getting the receiving yards. If you start Jones you have to hope for the home run play.

[Gandalfthecat 8]

If you're looking for a guy to start, I'd say Reece. But if you have room to wait a week, I'd try Jones. I remember seeing him run and thinking he had real talent. You never know, maybe he turns into late-season gold.

 

 

Hence, I think Jones has the higher upside.

[megatron's mom 6]

Jones getting all the first team snaps in practice seems very strange

[Tuxedosam 4]

Im stuck on either Reece or Hilton for my flex but leaning more towards Reece for this week. What do you guys think??

[giraldi02 474]

Marcel Reese will be a top 5 back in PPR this week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

at least I hope...

[Johnnybmoto 0]

I'm starting Reece in the FLEX over Lance Moore. Am I crazy?

[montana 89]

Napoleon Kaufman

[southcarolina 166]

Taiwan Jones ran a 4.24 sec 40 yard dash at his proday a couple of years ago. Thats "potential home run every time he touches the ball" speed. He was surprisingly available in my one very deep league, in which i own Darren Sproles and even backup RBs are hard to come by. I am now fully on the Taiwan Jones hype train. So all i am asking for is one small opening, and about 75 yards of open field ahead of Mr Jones.

 

Thats not too much to ask is it?

[TheUsualSuspect 207]

Is Justin Fargas an every down back? It seems his production has really declined the past three seasons.

[mdbomb 5]

Excerpts from Carson Palmer yesterday after practice:

 

Quarterback Carson Palmer, for one, can’t wait to see what the second-year back out of Eastern Washington can do.

 

“I feel like I’ve been waiting forever. I can’t wait,” Palmer said. “He does amazing things in practice and he’s by far the fastest person on the field and he will be the fastest person on the field on Sunday.

 

“And not that you want to see guys get banged up, but I’m excited about the opportunity he’s getting. Feel like since I’ve been here I’ve waited for him to get his opportunity and it hasn’t worked out and here it is. He’ll get his touches and I can’t wait.”

 

Palmer called the 6-foot, 197-pound Jones “electrifying.”

 

“He puts his foot in the ground and goes,” Palmer said. “He wiggles out of hits, he wiggles out of tackles. Can’t wait to throw him the ball, get him in the open field. He’s so much fun to watch at practice it’s, like I said, a long time coming.”

[SaintsInDome2006 441]

If you have the room, Start Reece and stash Jones. Which is what I am doing.

[Kelvarr 13]

My starting TE is Gronkowski. Bench TE is Bennett. Would you drop Bennett for Jones?

[megatron's mom 6]

I would start Jones if he's named the starter. Obviously they prefer Reece in the passing game. In ppr its a coin flip

[unloopme 4]

Just picked up Jones in both money leagues as a stasher. But now on one team(6-3) I have ALL 4 Oak RB's...ahhh!!!

[tts42572 0]

I have all four Oak RB's also....Somebody has to emerge with some value after this game....

 

I'm torn between Reece and Jones. If Reece can get a handful of carries, he's probably safer given he's trusted in the passing game.

 

But on the flip side, Jones is electric and could bust off a long TD or something. If he comes out and does that, he'd be everybody's top waiver claim next week with NO on tap...

 

I'll probably play Reece in my one league that I'm stuck since it's a little weighted toward TD's...But wouldn't surprise me to see Jones come out and get 10-15 carries and 50-75 yards.

 

I just think Reece is an athletic freak that really could be a weapon for the Raiders. I never had paid much attention to him before this week, but researching his college career and his pro highlights, I just can't believe he hasn't been a bigger part of the offense....especially with the prima donna RB's the Raiders have.

[berven 0]

I remember a time years ago when Trung Canidate got the start replacing an injured Marshall Faulk. Mike Martz nearly got teary as he spoke about how Trung had "earned it" and how he was looking forward to seeing the lad unleash his talent. Trung fumbled away the rock on the first STL possession. He was yanked and seen no more.

 

I believe Taiwan will start. However, despite the fulsome praise from Palmer and the coaches about Jones's "electricity," he will be on a short leash. If the first OAK possession ends because Jones fumbles it away or allows Palmer to get leveled by wiffing on a blitzer, he could be gone. I'm sure OAK has a contingency plan.

 

In my 18-team league, I have no choice but to roll with Jones, since Mendy is likely out and Morris is on a bye. In other contests, though, I'm trying not to drink the kool-aid. How much Taiwan plays will likely be determined early on. GLTA Jonesers.

[R8RMick 242]

Taiwan Jones ran a 4.24 sec 40 yard dash at his proday a couple of years ago. Thats "potential home run every time he touches the ball" speed. He was surprisingly available in my one very deep league, in which i own Darren Sproles and even backup RBs are hard to come by. I am now fully on the Taiwan Jones hype train. So all i am asking for is one small opening, and about 75 yards of open field ahead of Mr Jones.

 

Thats not too much to ask is it?

 

 

 

What's even more amazing is a 255 pound Reece running a 4.42 40 time at HIS Pro Day in 2008.

 

 

http://nesn.com/2012/11/marcel-reece-ready-to-break-out-sunday-against-ravens-after-inconsistent-bursts-have-defined-career-video/

[tts42572 0]

I agree...

 

This dude is darn impressive. Anyone see his 73 yard TD against the Broncos his rookie year? He took a dumpoff pass and took it all the way....

 

I just can't see how the Raiders don't give Reece at least 5 or 6 carries to see if he can make anything happen with them. With the problems they've had running, I would think a guy like Reece could make 1 cut and pound the hole and probably come away with 4-5 yards pretty easily.....

 

That's almost exactly what Alfred Morris has been doing....1 cut and hit the hole hard....get 4 yards almost every time and now and then find more.

 

 

What's even more amazing is a 255 pound Reece running a 4.42 40 time at HIS Pro Day in 2008.

 

 

http://nesn.com/2012/11/marcel-reece-ready-to-break-out-sunday-against-ravens-after-inconsistent-bursts-have-defined-career-video/

[the spanker 28]

I agree...

 

This dude is darn impressive. Anyone see his 73 yard TD against the Broncos his rookie year? He took a dumpoff pass and took it all the way....

 

I just can't see how the Raiders don't give Reece at least 5 or 6 carries to see if he can make anything happen with them. With the problems they've had running, I would think a guy like Reece could make 1 cut and pound the hole and probably come away with 4-5 yards pretty easily.....

 

That's almost exactly what Alfred Morris has been doing....1 cut and hit the hole hard....get 4 yards almost every time and now and then find more.

 

If the Raiders have any brains at all, Reece will be the pass specialist, short yardage back, GL back. He's an athletic beast and I'm starting him in PPR without hesitation this week.

 

Jones? Sorry I can't trust this dude. When Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson went down with high-ankle sprains last week, Jones played five snaps to Marcel Reece’s 63."

 

Pretty telling to me who Dennis Allen trusts between the two.

[WR Guru 31]

Judging by the struggles of McFadden this year, I don't think the Raiders offense is very conducive to a speed back right now. Having a big hammer like Reece who can run through first contact and move the pile for 4 yards at a clip is probably a better fit.

[sameo98 0]

Well, with Taiwan taking all the 1st team snaps he'll get his carries this week, especially since Palmer is excited about his opportunity. I'm starting Jones and placing Reece in my Flex. If Flacco and Troy Smith pick on Michael Huff like the Bucs did last week, we may see the Raiders playing catchup yet again. So they'll both be used. Palmer loves to dump it off to the TE and RB's if nothing is available downfield.

[tts42572 0]

I totally agree.

 

I just wondering how the Raiders coaching staff could watch a guy like Reece in practice and never decide to give him any carries. I mean....really?

 

Honestly, I knew nothing about him 2 weeks ago....Just thought he was your typical fullback that caught a few passes here and there. But after seeing numerous highlight clips, he obviously has some skill to make the plays he's made with the limited touches he's had.

 

Just makes you wonder sometimes how coaches get paid all the money they do....and can't recognize the unique skills a guy like this has. How can a guy like him that averaged 6 ypc last year not have any carries this year when the run game has struggled so badly?

 

Maybe he will finally get some sort of decent chance. I really believe the Raiders could have a pretty decent combination with him and Jones....

 

Check out some highlights...How can they not give him some chances after seeing these...

 

My link

 

 

Judging by the struggles of McFadden this year, I don't think the Raiders offense is very conducive to a speed back right now. Having a big hammer like Reece who can run through first contact and move the pile for 4 yards at a clip is probably a better fit.

[KojackDaniels 5]

I totally agree.

 

I just wondering how the Raiders coaching staff could watch a guy like Reece in practice and never decide to give him any carries. I mean....really?

 

Honestly, I knew nothing about him 2 weeks ago....Just thought he was your typical fullback that caught a few passes here and there. But after seeing numerous highlight clips, he obviously has some skill to make the plays he's made with the limited touches he's had.

 

Just makes you wonder sometimes how coaches get paid all the money they do....and can't recognize the unique skills a guy like this has. How can a guy like him that averaged 6 ypc last year not have any carries this year when the run game has struggled so badly?

 

Maybe he will finally get some sort of decent chance. I really believe the Raiders could have a pretty decent combination with him and Jones....

 

Check out some highlights...How can they not give him some chances after seeing these...

 

My link

 

 

Do any of those highlights include getting stuffed for a two-yard loss? Dropped passes? Missed blocking assignments? Inability to pick up blitzes? Dogging it in practice? Not paying attention in film sessions? General bad attitude in locker room?

 

I'm not saying he displays any of this, but you're looking at highlights while the coach is looking at everything I mentioned. That's why the coach gets paid the big bucks and we watch youtube vids.

[idiotec 31]

Do any of those highlights include getting stuffed for a two-yard loss? Dropped passes? Missed blocking assignments? Inability to pick up blitzes? Dogging it in practice? Not paying attention in film sessions? General bad attitude in locker room?

 

I'm not saying he displays any of this, but you're looking at highlights while the coach is looking at everything I mentioned. That's why the coach gets paid the big bucks and we watch youtube vids.

Great post

[Johnnybmoto 0]

After watching some clips, I'm actually feeling pretty good about starting him this week instead of Moore.

[sameo98 0]

Do any of those highlights include getting stuffed for a two-yard loss? Dropped passes? Missed blocking assignments? Inability to pick up blitzes? Dogging it in practice? Not paying attention in film sessions? General bad attitude in locker room?

 

I'm not saying he displays any of this, but you're looking at highlights while the coach is looking at everything I mentioned. That's why the coach gets paid the big bucks and we watch youtube vids.

 

The good thing is that Reece is one of the high character guys in the locker room and has worked his but off to become a complete FB while keeping the same skills that he had as a WR in college.

[nobody 2,672]

I think you have to go with Reece over Jones all day. If they thought he was such a playmaker why wouldn't they at least have him returning kicks? If it was ball security issues, then what's going to happen if he fumbles against the Ravens? Plus Reece will probabyl be the goalline back. My guess is they split the carries and Reece gets most of the 3rd down work.

[southcarolina 166]

What's even more amazing is a 255 pound Reece running a 4.42 40 time at HIS Pro Day in 2008.

 

 

http://nesn.com/2012...d-career-video/

 

Since Reece is owned by someone else, its not nearly as impressive.

 

 

Taiwan Jones Hype Train!!!! WOOOWOOOO!!!!!!

[murf74 461]

If Reese is such a stud why were you guys not speaking up before he finished the game last week? He is a full back or hback not a rb. If he is such a stud why doesn't he run the ball more or be this tremendous ppr back already?

 

I don't see how Reese doesn't keep his same roll and jones plays the rb.

 

Palmer is chomping at the bit to see jones play and throw him a dumpoff pass.

 

Take a look at his preseason game vs no last year. He looked great

[SNZ11 5]

CSN Bay Area's Paul Gutierrez expects Taiwan Jones to be the "bell cow" in Baltimore this week with FB Marcel Reece playing primarily in passing situations.

It may be the first and last time we ever see "bell cow" and "Taiwan Jones" in the same sentence. Coordinator Greg Knapp attributes Jones' limited early-season role to "ball security and assignments," noting that injuries have limited his practice reps so far. "But I'm excited for the young kid. I hope he gets a chance to get in there and get some successful plays to build his confidence," said Knapp. "He's one of the fastest I've been around. He has that ability to burst and separate right away. That trait is obviously not coachable." Jones has split first-team reps with Marcel Reece this week.

[Houston Texans 10]

What's even more amazing is a 255 pound Reece running a 4.42 40 time at HIS Pro Day in 2008.

 

 

http://nesn.com/2012/11/marcel-reece-ready-to-break-out-sunday-against-ravens-after-inconsistent-bursts-have-defined-career-video/

What's even more impressive is understanding that he weighs 255 NOW; he ran a 4.42 in 2008, when he weighed 20+ lbs less.

 

Reece was a WR/H-back (tight end) in college. He converted to FB and added over 20 lbs once he joined the NFL. I'd imagine his 40 time from 4 years ago, when he weiged 20+ lbs less is faster than what his current 40 time would be.

 

Also, his strength would obviously be catching passes, since he's a converted WR/TE. I can't seem to find any good video of him running the ball, and his NFL rushing stats aren't bad, but aren't overly impressive, either (considering it is a very small sample size).

[tts42572 0]

Earlier in the week, I was leaning toward Reece...

 

But after seeing practice reports this week...and giving it much more thought, I'm starting to sway toward Jones...

 

I'm just not sure they will really change Reece's role all that much. I'm starting to think Jones is pretty much going to step into McFadden's spot and take most of the handoffs with Reece leading the way as the blocker.

 

I think Reece is a much safer play in PPR leagues....But in non-PPR leagues....I just don't know. And can we really bank on Reece catching 8 or 9 more balls? That just seems a little fluky.

 

I know personally, I hate many of my WR matchups for guys I'm kinda stuck having to play....So really need to roll the dice at RB....

 

I'm starting to think Jones has a better shot at a "big game" than Reece. I'm thinking they didn't play him last week mostly because they were in catch-up mode and just didn't have him figured into the gameplan. It's tough to predict your top two HB's going down hurt in a game....

 

Who knows though....I keep waddling back and forth on these two....But need to play one of them...

[cyclone24 1,913]

Earlier in the week, I was leaning toward Reece...

 

But after seeing practice reports this week...and giving it much more thought, I'm starting to sway toward Jones...

 

I'm just not sure they will really change Reece's role all that much. I'm starting to think Jones is pretty much going to step into McFadden's spot and take most of the handoffs with Reece leading the way as the blocker.

 

I think Reece is a much safer play in PPR leagues....But in non-PPR leagues....I just don't know. And can we really bank on Reece catching 8 or 9 more balls? That just seems a little fluky.

 

I know personally, I hate many of my WR matchups for guys I'm kinda stuck having to play....So really need to roll the dice at RB....

 

I'm starting to think Jones has a better shot at a "big game" than Reece. I'm thinking they didn't play him last week mostly because they were in catch-up mode and just didn't have him figured into the gameplan. It's tough to predict your top two HB's going down hurt in a game....

 

Who knows though....I keep waddling back and forth on these two....But need to play one of them...

 

 

Me too....i have Dwyer in right now....but thinking about switching to Jones....i hate both situations

[Houston Texans 10]

Me too....i have Dwyer in right now....but thinking about switching to Jones....i hate both situations

Jones, Shonn Greene (vs Seattle), or BJGE (vs NYG)?

 

Jones' matchup looks good, but those other guys are probably going to get more touches.

[southcarolina 166]

If Reese is such a stud why were you guys not speaking up before he finished the game last week? He is a full back or hback not a rb. If he is such a stud why doesn't he run the ball more or be this tremendous ppr back already?

 

I don't see how Reese doesn't keep his same roll and jones plays the rb.

 

Palmer is chomping at the bit to see jones play and throw him a dumpoff pass.

 

Take a look at his preseason game vs no last year. He looked great

 

 

This isnt a highlight clip, i think its every touch. So there are some ugly 2 yard runs in here. And granted this was a preseason game, but i see some positive things here. His speed is pretty obvious. He has some pretty decent cutback ability. He shows the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.I would like to see him finish runs a little more, but that may come with time. Im not expecting a huge day from him, but 12-15 carries for 50-60 yards and 2-3 receptions for 15-20 more wouldnt shock me. I also believe there is a big play potential here. So as long as he gets the start, im starting him over Joique Bell.

[DocNiner 70]

Put DMC on IR for a few weeks. It's official, he just can't stay healthy. Jones has skills but I doubt he's 'Bell Cow' material. I think Oakland would be wise to run a lot of 2 back sets to increase their options because they'll need all the help they can get to win this game. I think Palmer believes he's got to put the game on his shoulders and go win it throwing the ball, which would benefit Reece. I picked up Reece & I think he's the better play. Palmer throwing a lot so Reece could be in for 60-70 yds. receiving & 1 TD either goaline or short pass. Jones just a little to risky for me until I see how he plays with an expanded role.

[the spanker 28]

Reece has to the short yardage GL back as well right?