Raiders-Broncos feud continues

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DENVER, Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Mike Shanahan, fired as coach of the Oakland Raiders 13 years ago before going to Denver, hopes his current troops can win the latest installment of one of the NFL's most bitter rivalries Monday night at Denver's Invesco Field.

Shanahan, who has had lots of luck with Denver in the series, has compiled a 12-2 record against the Raiders, including a 7-0 mark in the last seven games in Denver.

Like Shanahan, Raiders linebacker Bill Romanowski will now get a chance to experience both sides of the rivalry. Romanowski spent six seasons with the Broncos and was a part of their two Super Bowl teams before signing with Oakland as a free agent in March.

Romanowski and the Raiders had plenty of swagger after opening the season with four straight wins, but Oakland has lost four straight games since, mainly because of defensive lapses.

"At this point, we don't have a choice but to respond," said Raiders cornerback Charles Woodson. "We are on a skid now, and the only way to get off that skid is to win a ballgame. We've got to regroup this week, just concentrate and stay disciplined. We can't hold our heads down and let the season go down the drain."

"In my opinion, they are the most complete team in the NFL offensively, defensively, against the run, against the pass, special teams," said Raiders Coach Bill Callahan. "It will be the most athletic team we've faced to date."

With their losing streak, the Raiders find themselves in third place, 1 1/2 games behind San Diego and two games behind division-leading Denver.

The Broncos have had extra time to focus on the Raiders after having their bye last week.