Old Man Woodson Keeps Making Plays

Raiders' veteran safety has another strong game in victory over Bills, contemplates returning in 2015

With the outcome of Sunday’s game still on the line, the Raiders put their trust in Charles Woodson.

And, as he has for an amazing 17 seasons, Woodson came through.

The Buffalo Bills had just scored to cut the Raiders’ lead to 26-24 with just 1:09 remaining, and everyone in O.co Coliseum knew the Bills would perform an onside kick to themselves one last chance.

So, Woodson, the veteran 38-year-old safety and future Hall of Famer, entered the game up front to try to corral the kick. When it came his way, Mr. Good Hands wrapped it up, and the Raiders were able to run out the clock and get their third victory of the season.

It was just another big play for Woodson, who’s been outstanding this year and had another big day Sunday in the win over the Bills.

He also intercepted a Kyle Orton pass in the first half, was in on six tackles and knocked away a pass for an intended receiver.

This season he leads his team with 106 total tackles, has a sack and a team-leading four interceptions.

He’s been the leader of an Oakland defense that has been much improved over the second half of the season, and has indicated he may play again in 2015 at the age of 39.

He has said he wants to wait until after this season, to find out what the coaching situation will be next season.

Not only does he want to see who will be the team’s next head coach, but he wants to find out what will happen to assistant defensive backs coach Marcus Robertson. Woodson told ESPN.com’s Michael Wagaman that Robertson has been one of the big factors in his high-level play this season.

“That’s one of the things, depending on what happens with that guy,” Woodson told Wagaman. “It would be hard to play under another guy. I hope he’s back because he’s done a tremendous job with myself, with the other guys in the room.”

He also said defensive backs coach Joe Woods also has been instrumental to his play.

“If I were to come back, I would want those guys back as well,” he said.

With his interception Sunday, Woodson moved into exclusive territory, becoming just the 11th player ever to have 60 interceptions in the NFL. Paul Krause is the all-time leader with 81.

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