Sense of urgency is fuel for Raiders.

Byline: Steve Corkran

ALAMEDA, Calif. _ Winning four straight games at the beginning of the season put the Raiders in an enviable position. Every other team had at least one loss and praised the Raiders as a juggernaut.

Four straight losses followed. That dropped the Raiders into last place in the AFC West and unable to afford anymore "freebies," as wide receiver Tim Brown termed losses. Coach Bill Callahan called it "do-or-die time." The losing streak also put the Raiders on "probation," quarterback Rich Gannon said.

That win-or-else attitude is what fueled the Raiders to impressive victories over the Denver Broncos and defending Super Bowl champion …