Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders: 5 takeaways from Week 16
![OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 24: Doug Martin #28 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after a first down against the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 24: Doug Martin #28 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after a first down against the Denver Broncos during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 24, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fjustblogbaby-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F12-2F1074741752-850x560-15100bb2d97f7624d491afc3c7fcf1b824eeeb16dd0bda96b9832a82de10f3f7.jpg)
Special teams
Another pleasant sight to see was the all-around contributions that led to the victory Monday night. The defense was tough, the offense controlled the tempo, and additionally the special teams gave Oakland the X-factor that tipped the scales in their favor.
In the first quarter Dwayne Harris recovered the Denver punt at the one-yard line, but didn’t give up on the play as he returned it for a 99-yard touchdown that put Oakland on the board first with seven points. Daniel Carlson also continues his solid performance on the season, going 2-2 for field goals that were both from 40+ yards out.
It’s not often that special teams gets worthy recognition, but Oakland’s special teams rightfully deserved praise in their contributions that shifted the momentum in the Raiders’ favor.