The Oakland Raiders have had a bounce back season in 2015 and players like Latavius Murray, Khalil Mack, Derek Carr, Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree give the team some hope heading into the future. Charles Woodson has helped turn around the Raiders and the safety announced this week that he is planning to retire at the end of the season.
Woodson announced the news this week ahead of the Thursday game against the Chargers, as that is the final home game for the Raiders this season. According to Pro Football Talk, Woodson said he was "emotional" about the decision and that while does still thin he can "physically" play the game, it's time for him to move on. Woodson has put up a Hall of Fame career and at 39 he still has been able to play at a high level for the Raiders this season.
Woodson has put up 65 total tackles with five interceptions this season and over the last three years with the Raiders he has put up a combined 10 interceptions for the team. Woodson has had a long career in the NFL and he will retire as one of the best defensive backs to ever play. Many felt Woodson was over the hill when he left the Raiders and joined the Green Bay Packers, but he played at a high level during his time in Green Bay before dealing with injuries at the tail end.
Woodson later joined back with the Raiders for what many felt would be a ceremonial season to end his career, but he continued to play at a high level and he has not missed a game over the past three seasons for the team. Woodson is a future Hall of Fame player and now the fans in Oakland can give him (and the team?) a proper send off on Thursday night when they host the Chargers.
Woodson is leading the team in fairly good hands, as the Raiders have shown some major improvement this year even without making the playoffs. Derek Carr has shown that he is one of the top young quarterbacks in the league, while both Amari Cooper and Latavius Murray have given the offense explosive options. Khalil Mack has developed into a great pass rusher and Michael Crabtree also has stepped up and earned himself a contract extension.
The playoffs still could be a couple years away, but with that core intact for now, Jack Del Rio has the chance to keep building the Raiders into a winning team. Murray has had a career season with 956 rushing yards and five touchdowns, while Cooper has emerged as a top WR threat with 68 catches for 1040 yards and six scores. Carr has thrown for 30 touchdowns with just 11 interceptions this season and he has increased his numbers from his rookie season in passing yards, touchdowns and completion percentage.