ALAMEDA, Calif. — Halfway to infamy, Oakland Raiders coach Tony Sparano sees the glass as half full.

It doesn’t get any easier in the second half of the season as the 0-8 Raiders host the Denver Broncos, leaders of the AFC West at 6-2.

Sparano, whose odds of having his interim position extended decrease with each loss, is 0-4, much like Dennis Allen was 0-4 before he was fired when the Raiders returned home from a one-sided loss in London to the Miami Dolphins.

With a remaining schedule that finds seven of eight remaining teams with records of .500 or above, the buzz is beginning that the Raiders could join the 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-14) and the 2008 Detroit Lions (0-16) as the only teams to complete an NFL season without a win.

“What we can’t allow is for anyone on the outside to define us as a team,” Sparano said.

Midway through the season, the Raiders are last in the NFL in rushing (65.5 yards per game). They are last in time of possession and have a turnover ratio of minus-10.

When Sparano took over, he rearranged the locker room, the practice schedule and the way the Raiders practice, and he believes the team has responded even though it hasn’t gotten a win.

“I see it’s different right now, but it’s still 0-4,” Sparano said. “I think when an error occurs, we respond better, we can stop the bleeding easier. I think we’re getting around the quarterback better, protecting our quarterback better. I’ve seen a lot of young players contributing, and that’s a good sign.”

Rookie starters include quarterback Derek Carr, left guard Gabe Jackson, strongside linebacker Khalil Mack and recently, cornerback TJ Carrie. Second-year starters are tight end Mychal Rivera, weakside linebacker Sio Moore and right tackle Menelik Watson.

“When you’re 0-8, there’s not a lot to be proud of,” Sparano said. “If you’re a fan looking at it, I understand that. This business is about wins. But you’re seeing a lot of players who are going to be the core of this team for a long time and are contributing an awful lot.”

Free safety Charles Woodson said the team has responded well to Sparano even if the record doesn’t show it.

“What Tony is trying to do is erase everything that was before him and try to start with a clean slate,” Woodson said. “He’s come in as a coach that sees everything as black and white. There’s no gray area. I think guys respect that. He’s very up front with you, and you know exactly where you stand.”