Before each defensive play, you might find yourself scanning the entire playing field in search of number 24. That is primarily because cornerback Charles Woodson has played virtually everywhere on the football field this season. The Raiders franchise tagged Woodson for the second year straight last 6 Sanchez Purple AFL50th jersey
offseason for $10.5 million - a move that had many people questioning the Oakland front office. However, through four games this season, Woodson is showing signs of the energy he possessed during his 1997 season at Michigan in which he earned the coveted Heisman Trophy.With the play of the Oakland secondary finally coming together, Woodson has been able to not only play on the corner, but also in the middle of the field and as a deep safety. Rookie cornerback Fabian Washington and third-year cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha have proven to be effective defenders at the corner position. This has allowed defensive coordinator Rob Ryan to shuffle Woodson to the center of the field and also to the safety position. In week two against Kansas City, fans saw Woodson shadowing all-pro tight end Tony Gonzalez. Gonzalez had just 44 yards on the game - keep in mind, this is following a season in which he caught 102 balls for 1,258 yards. In the next week against Philadelphia, Woodson had the grueling task of controlling Terrell Owens - a dangerous weapon who had 112 yards and 143 yards in the two games leading up to this matchup. Woodson was able to hold the second-leading NFL receiver in yardage to just 80 yards, along with an average of 4 Brett Favre Purple jersey
just 8.9 yards per catch - a season low for Owens.In Sunday's game against the San Diego Chargers, look for the to shift Woodson towards the middle of the field in anticipation of shutting down San Diego's leading receiver, tight end Antonio Gates. Already having faced Tony Gonzalez and wideout Terrell Owens, Woodson should have little difficulty holding Gates in check - After all, Woodson does get paid over $10 million more than Gates
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