FOR USE AS DESIRED

            NFL-71               11/2/01

 

BRONCOS-RAIDERS: EXCITEMENT ON MONDAY NIGHT

 

To say that the Denver Broncos-Oakland Raiders rivalry has produced exciting football is putting it mildly.

 

The past four meetings between the clubs have been decided by a total of 21 points.  In addition, two of the past three games have featured the winning score on the final play.

 

These AFL/AFC West rivals have won 22 of a possible 34 division crowns since the Super Bowl era began in 1967 (13 for the Raiders, nine for the Broncos).

 

This week, the teams meet for the 12th time on Monday Night Football – matching Dallas-Washington for the most-contested Monday night series.  And those games have been exciting as well.  Eight of the 11 Broncos-Raiders Monday night meetings have been decided by seven points or less.

 

The Raiders lead the AFC West and are tied with Pittsburgh with a conference-best 5-1 record.  However, Oakland seeks its first victory over Denver since 1997.  The Broncos have won seven in a row over the Raiders.

 

"We have to get over this hump," says Raiders tackle LINCOLN KENNEDY.

 

According to his coach, Monday night would be a good place to start.  “We’re talking about how to beat them this year and we realize it is going to be a difficult challenge,” Oakland head coach JON GRUDEN says.

 

“Raiders history has shown a very good Monday night team,'' Gruden added.  “We've got to find a way to get a ‘W’ on a Monday night game.''

 

Oakland is 33-18-1 all-time on MNF, but has lost four consecutive games in the prime-time showcase.

 

“There is always significance playing on Monday night,” says Oakland quarterback RICH GANNON.  “It is played in front of a national television audience and it is the game of the week.  We’re excited about playing on Monday Night Football.”

 

Despite their recent success against Oakland, the 4-3 Broncos are wary of their division rival.

 

An eighth consecutive victory in the series won’t be easy.

 

“They are a great, physical football team," says Denver head coach MIKE SHANAHAN. 

 

Broncos linebacker AL WILSON puts it in more picturesque terms.  “We know it's going to be a dogfight,” he says.  “I'm always ready for a dogfight.”

 

***MNF***

 

Following are the most frequent matchups in the 32 seasons of Monday Night Football: