Packers bend; Woodson won't let them break

GREEN BAY, Wis. Charles Woodson is making 35 look like the new 25. The Green Bay Packers' cornerback, who turned 35 on Oct. 7, is leading the NFL with five interceptions. The three players behind him with four each are Kansas City's Brandon Flowers (25 years old), New England's Kyle Arrington (25) and the Jets' Darrelle Revis (26). In NFL years, Woodson has hit the age of half-price discounts at the movie theater and yet is on pace for more interceptions this season than in any of his previous 13 years in the league. Woodson reached five picks only once during his first eight seasons as a rookie in 1998, after being drafted fourth overall by the Oakland Raiders. But since coming to the Packers as a free agent in 2006, he has racked up 35 in five-plus years, compared with 17 in his eight seasons with the Raiders. Woodson, the 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, ceded the mantle of best Packers defender to linebacker Clay Matthews in 2010, but this season has been the biggest playmaker on a Green Bay defense that has yet to hit its stride. The Packers entered the bye week 7-0 but rank 31st in the league in passing yards allowed and 27th in total yards allowed. Perhaps the biggest reason Green Bay stands strong at 10th in points allowed is the team's NFL-best 13 interceptions and Woodson still leads the charge in the secondary. "Those yards, they begin to add up," Woodson said. "But the important thing is, you keep them out of the end zone, you'll be fine." Woodson's presence, playmaking ability and durability have proven invaluable. While his younger cornerback teammates have missed games this season Tramon Williams, 28, missed Week 2 with a shoulder injury, and Sam Shields, 23, missed Week 7 with a concussion Woodson always finds a way to stay on the field. Well, he finds a way to stay on the field on game day. Woodson has rarely practiced this season due to injuries to his knees and feet. He did not participate in any Wednesday or Thursday practices between Weeks 3 and 6 and was only a limited participant on those Fridays. "He's got a number of things banged up, and he's not as young as he used to be, but he can still go out and play at a very high level on limited practice," coach Mike McCarthy said of Woodson. "When you get Charles' age, you get some bumps and bruises." Since signing with the Packers at age 29, Woodson has missed just two games. In 2005 his final season in Oakland he missed all but six games with a broken leg. "Charles takes such good care of himself; he's a true pro," Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers said. "He's a bright guy, and he understands where you've got to be. The experience factor starts to pay off in terms of what angles to take and when to take your chances and when not to. There's a lot to be said for that. Charles is just a very smart, instinctive guy. "He's a rare guy, obviously. His production over his career speaks for itself." Without Woodson playing at such a high level, the Packers would not have racked up a franchise-best 13 consecutive wins dating back to December 2010. Woodson has especially been a nightmare for rookie quarterbacks this season. With Green Bay down, 13-7, in Week 2 at Carolina, Woodson intercepted Panthers rookie quarterback Cam Newton as the No. 1 overall pick was leading another successful drive. Woodson intercepted Newton a second time one drive later to give the Packers a short field on offense that led to a four-point lead. Green Bay won that game, 30-23. When Minnesota's Christian Ponder made his first start in Week 7, Woodson intercepted two of the rookie's passes in the third quarter to help the Packers hang on, 33-27. Perhaps the Packers have been forced to adopt a "give up yards, not points" attitude due to the continued, repeated results. It's not the type of philosophy that can work for an entire season and throughout an expected deep playoff run. An improved pass rush would help Green Bay lessen the stress on Woodson and the secondary. The Packers are missing the dominance Matthews displayed in 2010, when he racked up 13.5 sacks. Matthews has three sacks this season as he continues to adjust to increased attention from opposing offensive lines. But as long as Woodson is healthy enough to be on the field, forget about Revis Island, quarterbacks will have to think twice before throwing the ball in the direction of that 35-year-old wearing No. 21 in green and gold. "When I think about coming into this league, I came in wanting to be somebody who would be remembered after they're done playing," Woodson said. "I think I've been able to do some great things in this game to assure that." Follow Paul Imig on Twitter.