Here are some areas the Oakland Raiders need to focus on after a 38-17 home loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday:
Recap: The wheels are falling off in Oakland. The Raiders (3-7) have lost three straight games and have allowed 135 points during that span. Owner Mark Davis expressed displeasure after the game, making folks wonder if first-year general manager Reggie McKenzie and first-year coach Dennis Allen are in trouble.
Biggest area to fix: The defense is a mess. Oakland has surrendered 42, 55 and 38 points in the past three games. Allen is a defensive specialist and he must find a way to get more out of this group down the stretch.
Biggest area to build on: Marcel Reece. The fullback had 103 yards rushing and 90 yards receiving Sunday. With starting tailback Darren McFadden and his backup Mike Goodson out with high ankle sprains, Reece may be called upon for more rushing duty next week.
What to watch for: Perhaps a trip to the Cincinnati Bengals will get the Raiders fired up. It will be Carson Palmer's first trip there since being traded to Oakland last October. Plus, Hue Jackson, the man who traded for Palmer, is now an assistant coach in Cincinnati.