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) /

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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 24: Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates with Derek Carr #4 and Dwayne Harris #17 after a three-yard touchdown run 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) /

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.

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