While some people may not be giving the Oakland Raiders a chance to compete this year, on paper they could actually have a pretty successful team to bring in some wins. While questions still remain about the quarterback position and whether or not Darren McFadden comes to play, areas of the defense are looking better than ever. After the Raiders brought in free agent Charles Woodson, the defensive star paired with Tyvon Branch makes for one of the stronger safety tandems in the league.
Both Woodson and Branch are expected to start this season for the Raiders. Could they be the next George Atkinson and Jack Tatum of the 70s? Branch has been the cornerstone of the Raiders' secondary since being drafted in 2008. Michael Huff was scheduled to be his partner in crime, but inconsistency ended his time in Oakland. Now with Woodson by his side, Branch will only get better and elevate Woodson with him.
Woodson may be coming off on injury after only starting seven regular season games in 2012, but his resume proves that Woodson has the ability to make a late career change become elite once again. Woodson has 55 interceptions to his name, along with 29 forced fumbles, seven All Pro nominations and a Defensive Player of the Award. The credentials alone show that Woodson will be all productivity as a full-time safety next season.
Woodson and Branch should balance each other out nicely. Woodson embraces contact while Branch can bring the speed and ability to act more freely with another player next to him. Both players will be relentless at the blitzes and can bring timely turnovers when needed. On a defense with likely nine new starters, having Woodson and Branch to secure the secondary will be key.
Head coach Dennis Allen has been vocal about his desire for Woodson to be a building block for the young defense. While the front line might be a bit stable, having the veteran to even things out will prove much more fruitful for the Raiders. Woodson is man seeking revenge. He knows most teams passed him over because they thought he had one foot towards retirement. Do not count out a player scorned. Branch is talent in of himself and with those two in the backfield, long touchdown passes against Oakland could be a thing of the past.
