Special teams breakdown makes for Raiders week 15 turning point play of game

After Daniel Carlson made his third field goal of the game from 40 yards out, bringing the Raiders within one possession of tying the game, it seemed as if things were setting up for Derek Carr to have a chance to lead another fourth quarter comeback.

Those hopes were quickly dashed when on the ensuing kickoff, Bengals return man, Alex Erickson fielded the ball from his own 2-yard-line and took it 77 yards to the Raiders 21.

It was a major let down from the special teams unit, allowing Erickson to get loose and find space along the sideline. Rich Bisaccia was brought in by Gruden, touted as one of the better special teams coaches in the league. Bisaccia’s units have been anything but great this season.

Two plays later, Joe Mixon found the end zone on a pitch play from 15 yards out for his second score of the game.

It was a disappointing loss for the Raiders considering the poor play from Jeff Driskel. The Raiders had multiple opportunities to take control of the game, but were never able to take advantage.