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Broncos attempt to bounce back against Raiders

Dec 2, 2007 - 12:29 PM Denver (5-6) at Oakland (3-8) 4:05 pm EST

OAKLAND, California (Ticker) -- Seemingly on their way to a third straight win, the Denver Broncos were brought back to earth with a thud last week.

The Broncos attempt to regroup from a crushing defeat when they visit the Oakland Raiders in an AFC West matchup Sunday.

Denver appeared in total control against the Chicago Bears, leading by two touchdowns as it prepared to punt near midfield with just under 7 1/2 minutes to play.

The punt was blocked, sparking a rally that produced two touchdowns in the final 5:17 and an eventual 37-34 victory by Chicago that dropped the Broncos a game behind division-leading San Diego.

"You have to bury a team when you have a lead," Broncos safety John Lynch said. "You have to put them away in this league."

Despite allowing a punt and kick return for touchdowns, the Broncos took a 34-20 lead in the fourth quarter as Jay Cutler threw a 68-yard scoring pass to Brandon Marshall and a 14-yard TD to Tony Scheffler.

Cutler finished 17-of-31 for 302 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.

Rookie running back Andre Hall, making his first career start, added 98 yards and a TD on 26 carries.

Hall, however, suffered a high ankle sprain, leaving the Broncos in a precarious position since Travis Henry and Selvin Young missed last week's game with injuries.

"I really don't know. We'll get a better feel on Wednesday," coach Mike Shanahan said of the muddled situation at running back.

The backfield picture has improved markedly for the Raiders thanks to Justin Fargas, who rushed for 139 yards and a touchdown in last week's 20-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Fargas scored the go-ahead TD with a 14-yard run with 9:34 to play, helping Oakland snap a six-game losing streak.

The Raiders will have a tough task making it two straight wins against one of their biggest rivals; the Broncos have won eight of the last nine meetings, including a 23-20 win in overtime on September 16.

Shanahan, who once was fired by Raiders owner Al Davis, is 20-5 lifetime against Oakland.